

Errata 


On page XII the title for the picture should be Wright Lanier, 
County Commissioner, elected January 1st, 1937. 

On page 234 at bottom of the page, the name W. H. Barber 
Jr., Moultrie, Ga., should be added. 


On pages 252 and 253 the name Hires should be Hiers. 

On page 70 and elsewhere the name should be N. N. Marchant. 






























































































































































History of 

COLQUITT 

COUNTY 






History of 

COLQUITT 

COUNTY 


★ 

By W. A. COVINGTON 


19 3 7 

t o « 

' 5 P 


FOOTE AND DAVIES COMPANY, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 























Ci Cl 

lb 


Copyright 
19 3 7 

W. A. Covington 



IP- 


©ClA 119917 


THIS HISTORY is dedicated 
to the children and descend¬ 
ants of the Colquitt pioneers , 
generally; and especially to 
Hon. John Harris Smithwick , 
a descendant of North Georgia 
pioneers , who married Miss 
Jessie Vereen, a child of a pio¬ 
neer family of Colquitt County. 

—By The Author 

Moultrie , Ga., 

April 11, 1937. 





Author’s Note 


It seems proper to say here that while this History has been 
written entirely by the County Historian, it could not have 
been written but for assistance coming from many sources, 
some of which will be now and here set forth: 

First, assistance in the way of documents and oral legends 
has been rendered by I. McD. Turner, Isaac Turner, Spencer 
Norman, Hon. G. W. Newton, Jack Strickland, Lewis Perry, 
J. 0. Gibson, A. Huber, W. E. Aycock, T. E. Lewis, S. M. 
DuPree, John A. Owens, N. N. Marchant, Harry Halpert, and 
others. Thanks are extended to the Moultrie Rotary Club 
and the Moultrie Kiwanis Club for initial action of a highly 
helpful character; to Judge Wm. E. Thomas and the October, 
1935, Grand Jury, for energetic aid rendered at that term of 
Colquitt Superior court; to the Board of Commissioners of 
Roads and Revenues of Colquitt County; and to the Mayor 
and Aldermen of the City of Moultrie for indispensable finan¬ 
cial assistance in the enterprise. 

Mrs. Mattie Oglesby Coyle’s “History of Colquitt 
County” has been drawn on for essential facts, as has Irwin 
McIntyre’s “History of Thomas County.” 

Finally, much use has been made of the unwearied and 
cheerful courtesy of Miss Ruth Blair, until recently Geor¬ 
gia’s State Historian and Director of the Department of 
Archives, in answering some fifty letters of inquiry as to 
pertinent facts of record in her department. This service has 
been invaluable. 

The chapter containing biographical sketches has more 
than paid its own way, since nearly all such sketches have 
been paid for at prices that have left available a surplus 
which has contributed greatly to rendering the publication of 
the History possible. At all that, too, it will not escape at- 


YII 



tention that general and loving attention has been paid to the 
common run of the county’s pioneers, which includes a com¬ 
plete copy of the U. S. Census of the county four years after 
its creation. 

Finally, the assurance is cordially extended to the present 
generation of descendants of the pioneer men and women that 
the pioneers are good people to be kin to, and a source of 
proper pride on the part of the present and all succeeding 
generations. 

W. A. Covington, 

County Historian. 

February 5, 1937. 

Moultrie, Ga., 


VIII 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Chapter I. ’’“J 

De Soto’s Expedition 

Chapter II. 4.9 

The First Georgians 

Chapter III... iq-16 

General Jackson Causes Trouble—The Seminoles 

Chapter IV. 17-20 

Colquitt Land Titles 

Chapter V......... 21-29 

Slavery and Secession 

Chapter VI. 30-38 

The Civil War 

Chapter VII. 39.45 

Reconstruction 

Chapter VIII.-.... 46-52 

The County Site 

Chapter IX. 53-57 

First White Settlers 

Chapter X. 58-61 

The Pioneer Family 

Chapter XI. 62-66 

Diversions in the Pastoral Era 

Chapter XII. 67-69 

Education in the Pastoral Era 

Chapter XIII. 70-74 

Women in the Pastoral Era 

Chapter XIV. 75-80 

A Friendly Custom 

Chapter XV.......... 81-84 

Early Occupations 

Chapter XVI.. .—..... 85-88 

A Notable Wedding 

Chapter XVII.—.. . .. 89-94 

Colquitt Courts 

Chapter XVIII.—.. . 95-101 

Colquitt’s Early Bench and Bar 

Chapter XIX... ...102-107 

The Moultrie Bar in the Nineties 

Chapter XX. 108-149 

The Census of 1860 

Chapter XXI.-.. . ...150-152 

Colquitt’s Slaves in 1860 

Chapter XXII.-.153-157 

The Georgia-Northern Railway 

Chapter XXIII.-.-..-.157-162 

Moultrie Speaks 

Chapter XXIV . 163-168 

Colquitt in 1898 

Chapter XXV. 169-171 

Old Greenfield 

Chapter XXVI.-. .....172-177 

Some Important Visitors to Colquitt County 

Chapter XXVII.-. ...-178-184 

Being More About the Women 

Chapter XXVIII- -.185-189 

Christian Churches in Colquitt 

Chapter XXIX. 190-193 

The Moultrie Methodist Church 


IX 































TABLE OF CONTENTS 


PAGE 

194-198 


Chapter XXX. 

Moultrie’s Missionary Baptist Church 

Chapter XXXI. 

Moulitrie Presbyterian Church 

Chapter XXXII... 

Colquitt’s Educational Facilities 

Chapter XXXIII .^. 

Women’s Clubs 

Chapter XXXIV. 

The Moultrie Banking Company 

Chapter XXXV. 

Moultrie National Bank 

Chapter XXXVI.-. 

Moultrie Cotton Mills 

Chapter XXXVII. 

The Moultrie Packing Company 

Chapter XXXVIII. 

Crime in Colquitt 

Chapter XXXIX. 

Colquitt Weather 

BIOGRAPHIES 

PAGE 

-233 Matthews, William Jefferson.. 

237 Millsap, Zachary Thomas. 

-238 Moore, Lammie Lamar. 

240 Newton, George William. 

-242 Norman Jeremiah Bryant, Sr. 

.244 Norman, Jeremiah Bryant, Jr. 

-246 Potts, Lindsey Monterville. 

250 Rhoden, Emanuel William. 

-252 Rhodes, William Henry. 

-254 Shavers, George Alexander--- 

255 Suber, John. 

-256 Tillman, William. 

-256 Tucker, W. R. 

-257 Turnbull, Samuel P. 

260 Vereen, William Coachman— 

-261 Vereen, Eugene Michael. 

262 Vereen, William Jerome. 

-264 Vick, Aaron. Jr.. 

265 Weeks, Family The. 


Barber, William Henry 

Bivins, Frank Jarvis. 

Blasingame, Wesley Futrell 
Coleman, James William — 
Covington, William Alonzo 

DeLoache, Waldo. 

Folsom, Montgomery M. 

Free, Richard Lewis. 

Hires, Jacob Hunter. 

Hunt, George B. 

Jenkins, Cliff. 

Johnson, Chas. H. 

King, W. W. 

Ladson, John Elzie. 

Lee, Matthew Lawrence 

Leverett. Paul DeWitt. 

Lewis, Richard Jonathan 

McCall, William Frank. 

McClendon, Claude Early-- 


.199-204 

.205-209 

210-211 

212-215 

.216-218 

219-221 

.222-225 

226-228 

229-231 


PAGE 

-267 

-269 

-270 

-272 

-274 

-276 

-280 

-281 

-283 

-285 

-286 

-287 

-290 

-291 

-292 

-298 

-301 

-303 

-305 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Colquitt County Board of Edu¬ 
cation .308 

Colquitt County— 

Justices of the Inferior Courts-319 

Ordinaries .320 

Sheriffs.320 

Surveyors .322 

Tax Collectors .323 

Tax Receivers .324 

Treasurers .325 

Mayors and Clerks of the City 

of Moultrie, 1893-1937.326 

Congressional Representation of 

Colquitt County .312 

County School Commissioners.311 


Final Word of Historian.358 

Heads of Families, Lowndes 

County Georgia.359 

Heads of Families, 8th District, 
Thomas County—now Colquitt 

County .363 

Professional Men of Colquitt 

County .327 

Attorneys .327 

Dentists .327 

Physicians .327 

Justices of the Peace.328-334 

State Senators—Colquitt County - 315 

World War Veterans .335-357 


X 






































































- 


— teS 


■ 




m 


XI 


Board of Colquitt County Commissioners. Picture taken in May, 1936. Left to right: Van T. Crosby, John F. Suber, Wil¬ 
liam Tillman, Chairman, T. B. Mount, Clerk. Mrs. John T. Coyle, Assistant Welfare Worker, W. W. King, Cliff Jenkins. 

























Extract from the General Presentments of the 
Grand Jury of Colquitt County , October, 
1935 , Term 


“We hereby nominate Judge W. A. Covington as Historian 
of Colquitt County, and give him the right to secure the serv¬ 
ices of anyone to help in this undertaking; and urge the 
Board of County Commissioners of Colquitt County, to co¬ 
operate with him.” 

T. A. Dekle, Foreman, 

J. F. Trice, Clerk. 

J. H. Brady, J. T. Sharpe, A. H. Gregory, N. D. Norman, 
B. D. Gay, R. H. Perry, W. S. McMullen, C. C. Freeman, 
J. H. Burroughs, M. J. Sorrell, Henry Clark, W. F. Walters, 
J. H. Dooley, Byrd Powell, James D. Edmundson, John T. 
Barlow, Grand Jurors. 



Bryant Lanier, County Commissioner, 
elected January 1st, 1937 


Wright Lanier, County Commissioner, 
elected January 1st, 1937 
XII 




Walter T. Colquitt 


Walter T. Colquitt, for whom Colquitt County was named, 
was born in Halifax County, Virginia, in 1799, and while 
still a child moved with his parents to Hancock County, 
Georgia. He studied at Princeton, read law at Milledgeville, 
Georgia, was called to the bar in 1820, and commenced the 
practice of law, at Sparta. He was a member of the Georgia 
State Senate, in 1835-37. He was in the National House of 
Representatives, in 1839 and in 1840, till the date of his 
resignation. In 1842-43, he was again in the National House 
of Representatives. From 1843 to his resignation in 1848, 
he was a Senator of the United States. Originally, he was 
a States-Rights Whig, he came to be a Van Ruren Democrat. 
He opposed the Wilmot Proviso, limiting slavery. He was a 
local Methodist preacher. 

Miller, in his “Bench and Bar of Georgia,” says of Walter 
T. Colquitt: 

“It made no difference how many speakers of note were 
assembled on the platform of a mass-meeting, whether 
Governors of States or members of Cabinets, he towered 
above them all. He had an eye that could look any man 
or any peril in the face. He imitated no model. He grasped 
the hand of a poor man as cordially and treated him with 
as much respect as if he had the richest in the land; and, if 
his attentions to either varied, it was only to show more 
kindness to the humble poor, to take care of his feelings, and 
avoid any appearance of neglect or slight. As a lawyer he 
stood not only above Georgia, but the whole South. In 
Criminal cases, he swept everything before him, and stirred 
the souls of jurors to their very depths.” 

We have heard it said that Walter Colquitt would some¬ 
times procure an acquittal of a client charged with murder. 


XIII 



in the morning; make a political speech, at the noon recess 
of court; and preach at revival services, at night. 

This remarkable man died a few weeks before Colquitt 
County was created; and this perhaps is the reason our great 
County bears his name. He lies buried on the Jeter Lot, in 
Linwood cemetery, at Columbus; but his grave is unmarked; 
although his descendants are still social and financial leaders 
in Georgia. 


XIV 


CHAPTER I 


De Soto’s Expedition 


The first white people ever in Georgia were members of 
De Soto’s expedition. 

Fernando De Soto, a companion of Pizarro in the conquest 
of Peru, obtained from the King of Spain, in 1537, permis¬ 
sion to conquer Florida, which was claimed by Spain in vir¬ 
tue of the discoveries of Columbus. While this design was 
in agitation, one Cabeca DeVaca, returned to Spain from a 
voyage of discovery in the New World; and, for purposes of 
his own, spread abroad the report that Florida, in gold, silver, 
and gems, was the richest country yet discovered in the New 
World—richer than Mexico and Peru, for instance; all this 
resulting in the boosting of De Soto’s enterprise. Nobles and 
gentlemen vied with each other for the privilege of being 
enrolled under De Soto’s standard; and so he set sail for what 
is now known as Tampa Bay, with six hundred and twenty 
chosen young men and 200 horses—a band as gallant and 
well-appointed, as eager in purpose, and as audacious in 
hope as ever trod the shores of the Western Hemisphere. 

For month after month, and year after year, this proces¬ 
sion of priests and cavaliers, crossbowmen, arquebusiers, 
and Indian captives, laden with baggage, still wandered on, 
through wild and boundless wastes, lured hither and thither 
by the ignis fatuus of the hopes of discovering gold. 

De Soto and his people passed through at least the southern 
part of Georgia, forty-five years before Sir Walter Raleigh 
sailed the western seas; sixty-five years before Captain John 
Smith’s adventures at Jamestown; seventy-eight years before 
the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock; and one hundred 
and ninety-two years before Oglethorpe settled at Savannah. 



2 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


There were four members of the De Soto expedition who 
kept diaries, as follows: Ranjel, nephew and secretary of 
De Soto; Bedenia, the treasurer of the expedition; “The 
Inca”; and “a certain gentleman of Elvas.” These diaries 
are the first authentic written documents which undertake to 
give information regarding human life in south Georgia, and 
the Gulf section. Geographic features are described, mounds 
and rivers are noted, and villages are described by their In¬ 
dian names. 

Notwithstanding these diaries, there is considerable dis¬ 
cussion as to the situs of the route of the expedition in Geor¬ 
gia. It is known definitely that the expedition went north for 
some hundreds of miles—possibly to a point near the present 
site of Augusta; and then crossed Georgia to the northwest, 
and proceeding in that direction, finally reached the Missis¬ 
sippi, probably near what is now Memphis; then, proceed¬ 
ing two or three hundred miles northwest of this point, be¬ 
fore they practically abandoned their search for gold, and 
turned southeast, striking the Mississippi again near the 
mouth of the Red River. Here De Soto died, his cruel, 
haughty spirit broken by disappointments and disease; and the 
remnant of his followers, wrapping his corpse in gunny-sack¬ 
ing, dropped it, under cover of night into the middle of the 
mighty stream, to remain there till the “sea, as well as the 
Great River, shall give up their dead.” 

Some three hundred survivors of the expedition constructed 
a rude raft, or boat, and a month or two later, drifted down 
to a Spanish settlement. 

According to Jones’ History of Georgia, De Soto spent the 
winter of 1539-1540 at Anhayca, near the present City of 
Tallahassee, where Spanish armor and other relics have been 
exhumed. 

On Wednesday, March 3, 1540, De Soto launched his 
land expedition by marching north from Anhayca, and on 


DE SOTO’S EXPEDITION 


3 


the 4th day of the march, crossed the “Ochlockny” River, 
near Hadley’s Ferry, in Grady County, formerly Thomas 
County, having passed between Lake Iammonia and Lake 
Jackson. On March 21st, he had reached a point which Jones 
fixed as being in Irwin County, having gone northward on 
the right side of the Ochlochnee River. 

Since the Ochlochnee 
runs from north to south, 
practically through the 
center of what is now Col¬ 
quitt County, it is a fair 
conclusion that De Soto 
and his mailed and plumed 
warriors passed through 
the county three hundred 
and ninety-six years ago. 

Since people, whether In¬ 
dians or white explorers, 
always traveled along 
watercourses in those early 
days; and since the Och¬ 
lochnee River was always 
full at the beginning of 
Spring, it is practically 
certain that De Soto’s expedition passed near Moultrie, along 
the Ochlochnee, near or across the farm of Joe N. Horne, 
sweeping upward along the course of the stream, always as 
close to the run of the stream as possible. 



CHAPTER II 


The First Georgians 


The diaries and chronicles of the De Soto expedition all 
speak of fairly constant contacts with the Indians. At that 
time, Georgia seems to have been occupied largely by the 
Creeks and the Cherokees. The northern part of the State 
then, and for two hundred years afterwards, constituted a 
part of an extensive Cherokee Empire; while the Creeks, dur¬ 
ing this period of time, occupied the southern portion of the 
State. The Seminoles, a smaller tribe, resided for the most 
part in northern Florida. By the beginning of the American 
Revolution, the Cherokees, by their contacts with the Amer¬ 
ican colonists, had made considerable strides in civilization; 
but having sided with the British in that struggle, they were 
penalized by the loss of over half of their territory. Their 
holdings in what is now the State of Georgia, however, re¬ 
mained the same. 

The Creeks and Seminoles had made less advances in what 
were called civilized ways. In 1763, England acquired the 
whole of Florida by treaty with Spain; but re-ceded it to 
Spain at the Treaty of Paris, in 1783. During the succeed¬ 
ing thirty-five years, clashes were frequent between the 
pioneer settlers of Georgia and Alabama and the Creeks and 
Seminoles, whose holdings in Georgia and Alabama had not 
been extinguished by treaty or otherwise. This friction was 
especially troublesome along the Chattahoochee River. While 
the land hunger of the whites, and the greed of the white 
purveyors of intoxicants, who always and everywhere were 
found on the ragged edge of the frontiers of America, ex¬ 
plained some of these clashes; the fact is, that the main cause 
is to be found in the fact that there was a constant stream of 



THE FIRST GEORGIANS 


5 


runaway Negro slaves from the plantations of Georgia, Ala¬ 
bama and South Carolina into the territory occupied by these 
Indian tribes. Arriving into such territory, these fugitives 
were sheltered by the Indians, who frequently intermarried 
with them. In this respect, the policy of the Creeks and 
Seminoles differed from that of the Cherokees to the north, 
who reduced such fugitives, as a rule, to slavery to them¬ 
selves. 

The attitude of the Creeks and Seminoles toward runaway 
slaves led to forays by the white owners to recover their 
slaves; and along with this, there arose a system of just plain 
hunting among the Indians, by unprincipled whites, for any 
Negroes they could lay their hands on, and driving off the 
catch “regardless of right or title.” As the whites had all 
the means of publicity, and practically all political power; 
and as human nature was what it was, and what it is, the 
struggle could have only one ending—namely, the practical 
destruction of the rights of the Indians. But from the first, 
the ordinary rules of civilized warfare went into the discard, 
and atrocities on both sides were justly complained of. The 
Federal Government was called on by Georgia and Alabama 
to help out against the Creeks, whose holdings in land and 
pasturage lay on both sides of the Chattahoochee River; and 
in response to these demands, General Andrew Jackson, in 
1812, was sent into the troubled territory, commissioned to 
discipline the troublesome Indians. His campaign seems to 
have been considerably like that of Mussolini in Ethiopia. 
There was a lot written and published about the scalping 
parties of the Creeks; but not so much about the Jackson 
methods. We, however, can remember hearing our grand¬ 
mother tell of one of her uncle’s campaigns as a member of 
Jackson’s army of relief in Alabama, in which they got out 
of rations, and came near starving to death; but just then 
they set fire to an Indian stockade of logs, which was full 


6 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


of Indians of all kinds, and which had a cellar, filled with 
sweet potatoes. Her uncle said the potatoes were well roasted 
and thoroughly soaked with the Indian grease, furnishing 
very toothsome eating indeed. We could be disposed to think 
our grandmother’s uncle was drawing on his imagination in 
this recital, after the fashion of veterans of wars since the 
world began, were it not for the fact that after we were 
grown up, we saw the story about the potatoes, roasted in 
Indian grease, in print in some of the annals of those times. 
It was at the end of his campaign against the Creeks that 
Jackson was ordered to New Orleans, which led him into im¬ 
perishable renown on one January 8, 1815, in a battle with 
Sir Edward Packenham, a brother-in-law of the Duke of 
Wellington. 

In 1818, the raids of slave-owners from Georgia and the 
Carolinas into the Seminole country in the Spanish territory 
of Florida, for the purpose of recapturing their runaway 
slaves were increasing, and as there were the counter-raids 
of the Seminoles, particularly along the Georgia bank of the 
Chattahoochee River, as far north as Columbus; pressure 
was again brought on Washington by the white settlers of 
southern Georgia to furnish protection, and General Jackson 
was again authorized to organize a band of militia. As 
Florida at that time belonged to Spain, a friendly power, 
the General seems to have had orders to push the Indians 
back to the Florida boundary line; but not to invade Florida. 
This was in the year 1817. 

As Jackson pushed down the Chattahoochee, the gardens 
and patches of the Indians filled with growing corn and beans 
showed that they were not on the war-path; but he pressed 
right on into Florida across the international boundary line, 
and brought up at Saint Marks, on the Gulf Coast. When 
he got there, the Spanish garrison put up no defense, being 


THE FIRST GEORGIANS 


7 


surprised and outnumbered; and “Billy Bow-legs,” the Semi¬ 
nole Chief, was gone with his followers, he having been ap¬ 
prised of Jackson’s coming. So Jackson pushed out of Saint 
Marks to the southeast, a distance of a hundred and forty- 
three miles, where he expected to capture “Billy Bow-legs” 
and his force; but again the “birds had flown,” with the ex¬ 
ception of two aged Indian chiefs. Jackson promptly hanged 
them, although there is no record that either of them was 
guilty of violating any law. 

By the time the General got back to Saint Marks, he was 
very angry and tired; so he arrested Alexander Arbuthnot, a 
Scotch trader, aged seventy-one, and Robert Ambrister, an 
English trader, aged thirty, “because he believed they had 
sold supplies to the Indians”; and sent them to a drumhead 
court-martial, on the instant and on the spot. The court- 
martial, composed of petty officers, named by Jackson, pro¬ 
ceeded to investigate the charges; and, although the evidence 
failed to show that Ambrister was guilty, and affirmatively 
showed that Arbuthnot was innocent, the finding as to Ar¬ 
buthnot was guilty with recommendation of death by hang¬ 
ing. Jackson reviewed this finding, and wrote “approved” 
under it on the paper; and so Arbuthnot was hanged next 
day. The court-martial also found Ambrister guilty and 
recommended a penalty of death by shooting; but, an hour 
afterwards, reconvened, and recommended a penalty of fifty 
lashes on the naked back, and confinement in jail for a term 
of twelve months. The General wrote “disapproved” under 
the second recommendation, and the word “approved” under 
their first sentence. 

Not much is known of the history and characteristics of 
Alexander Arbuthnot. The Scotch are not famed for much 
talking. But Romance has embalmed the memory of Robert 
Ambrister. Before he was out of his early twenties he had, 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


as a member of the British Royal Marines, seen practically 
every land under the sun. As a member of Wellington’s 
“Guards,” he had lain all of that momentous day at Waterloo 
prone on the ground, under the pounding of the military 
genius who had well-nigh conquered the world. The next 
year, he had assisted to guard Napoleon at St. Helena. 
Finally, on a visit to his brother, the Governor of the Ba¬ 
hamas, he heard of Florida; and came to Saint Marks—and 
to Jackson’s Firing Squad. 

The men went to their deaths the day after their trial, 
Jackson having ridden away early in the morning, leaving 
a detachment of troops to carry out the sentences. Ambrister 
spent his last night with his guards, who were fascinated by 
the flow of his brilliant conversation, so that neither he nor 
any of them slept. A sweetheart was waiting for him in 
London. 

There is nothing to record as to the history of Arbuthnot, 
nor as to how he spent his last hours; but it seems certain 
that, like his companion in misfortune, 

“He nothing common did nor mean, 

On that memorable scene.” 

Both comported themselves with the dignity of members 
of the great races to which they belonged, and to which so 
many of us are proud to belong. 

Some prominence seemed due these unfortunate men, on 
account of a great wrong done them both by a representative 
of our country—a wrong which would appear to have been 
condoned by their own country, owing to the fact that Britain 
and the United States had just closed a foolish war; and 
consequently, there was the less disposition to precipitate 
another war between the countries. 

Then, too, Ambrister at least was young and adventurous. 
He spent more than a year at Saint Marks before his arrest. 


THE FIRST GEORGIANS 


9 


He sold hunters’ supplies to the Seminoles, and took their 
wares in return. Doubtless he joined them in their fishing 
and hunting trips. And, since what is now Colquitt County 
was less than a hundred miles from Saint Marks, it is alto¬ 
gether likely that Ambrister accompanied the Indians on 
some hunting and fishing trips to this section, perhaps camp¬ 
ing with them along the Ochlochnee, the Warrior, the Big 
Indian, and the Ocapilco. Anyhow, we are pleased to imagine 
that he did; and if Arbuthnot came along sometimes, that 
is alright too. 


CHAPTER III 


General Jackson Causes Trouble— 
The Seminoles 


General Jackson closed his campaign against the Seminoles, 
in 1818, with net results already stated, as follows: Two 
old Indian Chiefs hanged out of hand; two British subjects 
killed after farcical trials; the bundling up and shipping to 
Pensacola of the Spanish garrison at Saint Marks. Also, the 
United States had acquired a splendid opportunity to go into 
a war with England, which haughty State had in the preced¬ 
ing century plunged into a war with half of Europe about 
the loss of an ear by one of her subjects, named “Jenkins.” 
However, she had just emerged from the Napoleonic struggle, 
which had shaken her to her foundations, and included an 
incidental conflict with the United States, and this doubtless 
influenced her to finally back away from her angry demands 
made on the Government of the United States. Nor was this 
trouble all. Spain at that time was a very much stronger 
power than the United States. At the commencement of 
negotiations with Spain concerning the violation of her ter¬ 
ritory, and the shipping of her troops about in the Gulf as 
if they were African slaves, the war clouds hovered 
ominously, and in sight of those that hovered in the direction 
of England; and so President Monroe and his cabinet had 
many anxious hours; and the report gained circulation, 
twenty years afterwards, that at one of these cabinet meet¬ 
ings, John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War, suggested that 
Spain be placated and England appeased by hanging General 
Jackson. This was, of course, in executive session; and 
when Jackson heard of it for the first time, the people had 
put him in the presidential chair. This was owing to a 



GENERAL JACKSON CAUSES TROUBLE 


11 



popularity which had grown up around him on account of 
his victory over the British, at New Orleans, three years be¬ 
fore the Seminole War. The 
remark of Calhoun greatly 
excited the General; who, 
however much he was in 
favor of hangings generally, 
was decidedly opposed to 
them when it involved his 
own neck. 

Finally, Spain took the 
sensible view that it was im¬ 
practicable for two nations, 
speaking different lan¬ 
guages, whose capitals were *»~**>™ 

so far removed as were ANDREW JACKSON 

Madrid and Washington from the frictions arising along an 
international boundary line, to attempt to maintain peace; 
and so they suggested bluntly the sale of the Floridas, both 
east and west, to the United States for the sum of $5,000,000 
which being accepted, they pulled down their flags, and went 
home. 


In the meantime, white settlers at once commenced to 
come into the Jackson Cession, rendering the Seminole ques¬ 
tion more acute than it had ever been. In 1804, on the Geor¬ 
gia side of the Chattahoochee River, a boy child was born 
to a daughter of a Creek chief, by a white trader named 
Powell. The child was named “Osceola” by its mother, who 
took him when he was four years old across the Jackson Ces¬ 
sion into Florida, and joined the Seminoles who adopted her 
and the child. When he grew up, he became the chief of 
that tribe. Of course, Spain, in ceding Florida to the United 
States, stipulated for the safe-guarding of the lives and prop¬ 
erty of her nationals; but this did not include the Seminoles, 




12 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


whose condition was thus rendered more precarious. In the 
meantime, pressure was increased by the Gulf States, and by 
Washington, on the Seminole leaders to consent to the re¬ 
moval of their people beyond the Mississippi River. The 
young chief Osceola set his face like flint against removal; 
and notified General Thompson, Indian Commissioner for the 
Florida territory, that he would himself kill any Seminole 
leader undertaking to bind his people by a treaty of removal. 
One Seminole chief did sign such a treaty, whereupon 
Osceola kept his word and killed him. About that time, the 
wife of Osceola, who was the daughter of a runaway Negro 
slave, was seized and carried away to Georgia by a white 
man who claimed to be the owner of the runaway mother of 
his wife; and when Osceola went to Thompson with his 
grievance, that functionary threw him in irons for four days. 
Shortly after he was released, he raided Thompson, accom¬ 
panied by a few men, and killed him with his own hands. 
Soon after this, he duplicated the “Custer Massacre” by am¬ 
bushing Colonel Dade, and killing every one of his force of 
six hundred men. This incident is referred to in Florida 
history as the “Dade Massacre.” 

Presently, the Washington Government had three generals, 
Scott, Wiley and Gaines warring with Osceola for a year. 
They finally turned the war over to General Thos. S. Jessup, 
who invited Osceola into his tent under a flag of truce, under 
the ostensible purpose of arranging terms of peace, and then 
ordered him arrested, and sent to Saint Augustine. Escaping 
from this, he was captured and confined at Fort Moultrie in 
Charleston harbor, where he died in 1838, of a broken heart. 
This conduct on the part of General Jessup has been gen¬ 
erally denounced by historians as perfidious, which, in fact, 
it is; but Martin Van Buren, alter ego of President Jackson, 
was at the head of the Nation; and there can be no doubt 
that Osceola’s continued imprisonment was directed from 
Washington. 


GENERAL JACKSON CAUSES TROUBLE 


13 


However, this treatment is on the whole not quite as bad 
as that accorded to the ten-year-old child of King Philip by 
the New England Puritans in the preceding century. This 
child narrowly escaped hanging; but, upon second thought, 
the Puritans shipped him along with a few other Indians to 
the West Indies and sold him into slavery. His father’s 
crime was exactly the crime of Osceola, an armed defense of 
the lands which had been occupied by his progenitors from 
time immemorial. Both Osceola and Philip, considering 
the smallness of their resources, rank in history as military 
chieftains of the first order. The United States expended 
$60,000,000 in this second war with the Seminoles, and some 
1500 lives. 

During the progress of this war, a company of cadets from 
the United States War College at West Point was stationed at 
Fort Meade, in Florida. This company contained a young 
lieutenant who wrote frequent letters home. In one of these 
letters, he says he “thinks, this so-called war against a help¬ 
less people is not very creditable to us.” Again, he writes, 

“Our company made a surprise attack on the Seminoles yester¬ 
day; and captured thirty prisoners, mostly women and children. 
One little girl, shot through the cheek, made scarcely a murmur. 
Another—a woman—shot through and through with a buckshot; 
conducted herself with all the fortitude of a veteran soldier.” 

In other letters, he expresses his disgust at finding his 
first duties as a soldier confined to cutting and slashing with 
swords among roasting-ears and pumpkins; never foreseeing 
that as the years should run by, he would attain some fame 
in that kind of warfare himself. The name of this lieuten¬ 
ant was William Tecumseh Sherman. 

As late as 1856, the birth year of Colquitt County, Captain 
Casey, Indian agent for Florida, published in the Thomas- 
ville newspaper a reward for live Indians, as follows: 


14 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


For each warrior, 250-500 dollars. 

For each woman, 150-200 dollars. 

For boys over ten years old, 100 to 200 dollars. 

These, when captured and delivered would be shipped to 
Indian Territory. As late as 1860, a carload of these cap¬ 
tured people passed through Thomasville en route to Indian 
Territory. There remain in the Everglades of Florida, near 
Miami, today, some three hundred and fifty of this in¬ 
domitable people, occupying a reservation in their ancient 
fastnesses, where they live in pretty much the same primitive 
manner their ancestors did a hundred years ago in Colquitt 
County. 

In the second Seminole 
War, numerous raids were 
made by the Seminoles into 
the white settlements in 
Early County, Georgia, and 
perhaps into Decatur 
County. We have talked to 
aged residents of these coun¬ 
ties, who remembered such 
raids. Remembered, too 
some of the women who 
were scalped on such raids, 
wearing ever afterwards, 
caps to conceal such disfig¬ 
urement. We have, however, 
never heard of such raids into what is now known as Colquitt 
County. In White’s Collections of Georgia appears a rather 
lengthy account of a “great battle” fought in what is now east 
Colquitt, and in western Cook County, between a band of 
Creek Indians and two or three companies of militia, led by 
Col. Michael Young, of Thomasville, with Captains Newman, 
Tucker and Sharp, all of Thomas County, and Captain Pike, 
of Lowndes County. There were about a hundred and twenty 



Osceola 


GENERAL JACKSON CAUSES TROUBLE 


15 


of the militia, and about a hundred and fifty of the Indians. 
The valiant Col. Young first sighted the Indians in the fork 
of Little River and Warrior Creek, and raised the alarm. 
The Indians got across the river and entered a swamp about 
four miles down. The “battle’’ lasted a matter of a day and 
night. The militia lost two killed and eight wounded—none 
of them mortally. The Indians escaped, leaving twenty-two 
dead and two Negroes. Nine squaws and nine children were 
captured. It is easy to see that this was in no sense a hostile 
raid; but simply a trek by some Alabama Creeks across the 
Jackson Cession, in an effort to reach the Seminoles in Flor¬ 
ida. The battles happened in July, 1836. 

It is only just to say that the methods of the Indians in 
making war were not different from the methods employed 
by the whites against them all the way from Quebec to 
Argentina. Scalping itself was introduced into the Western 
Hemisphere by colonists from Europe. Alexander H. 
Stephens in his “History of the United States,” speaking of 
all North American Indians, and especially of those who in¬ 
habited Georgia at any time, says, “The Indians were a 
simple, kindly and child-like race”; and he says that there 
seems to be no record of any Quaker ever killed by an Indian. 
He further says that the fact that General Oglethorpe 
marched entirely across the State of Georgia to a conference 
of Creek and Seminole chieftains, accompanied by only three 
armed men, which conference was held on the Chattahoochee 
River, near Columbus, remained at this conference till his 
business was transacted, surrounded by fifteen thousand 
braves, who knew that the Spaniards had a reward for his 
head, delivered either in Pensacola or Saint Marks, and then 
returned in perfect safety to Savannah, is a very wonderful 
tribute to their character and good faith. In this connection, 


16 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Mr. Stephens quotes Osceola as saying, after he was captured, 
“The whites had the newspapers, and therefore, everything 
they did was right, and everything we did was wrong.” 



Grave of Osceola, Outside Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S. C. 











CHAPTER IV 


Colquitt Land Titles 


After General Jackson fought the unofficial ex-parte war 
against the Spaniards and Indians, he had the Creeks and 
Seminole Indians cede to the State of Georgia, by the Treaty 
of 1818, an area about seventy-five miles wide from north to 
south, lying immediately north of the Florida territory, and 
extending east and west from the Chattahoochee River to the 
Okefenokee Swamp. This he did for the purpose of creating 
a barrier against either permanent or temporary combinations 
of the Creeks and the Seminoles, and for no other purpose, 
he having no idea that the area so ceded had any value for 
any other purpose to the State of Georgia, or to the nation 
as a whole. 

Two or three years later, when it was sought in the legis¬ 
lature of Georgia to create three counties, Early, Irwin and 
Appling, from the territory thus “wished on” the State of 
Georgia, certain gentlemen in the legislature are said to have 
opposed the expenditure of funds for building roads in this 
territory, because “they were opposed to spending the State’s 
money in the effort to develop a section which God Almighty 
had gone off and left half finished.” 

On an old map, of the date of 1818, no town is shown in 
the vicinity of what is now known as Colquitt County, except 
Micosoukie, Florida, and the words “pine barrens” are writ¬ 
ten over the area now known as southwest Georgia. 

Finally, the Jackson Cession was made into three counties 
—Early, Irwin and Appling. Next, Decatur County was 
created in 1823 from Early and Irwin counties. Hon. Martin 
Hardin was its first representative in the Georgia House of 
Representatives. In 1825, the Hon. Thomas J. Johnson, who 
lived six miles south of what is now known as Thomasville 



18 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


on the Tallahassee Road, became representative of Decatur 
County, and immediately introduced a bill, creating two coun¬ 
ties: Thomas and Lowndes. The bill provided that the 17th 
and 18th Districts, and all of the 19th and 23rd Districts, ly¬ 
ing east of the “Oaklockny” River, all in Decatur County, 
and the 13th and 14th Districts of Irwin County constitute 
the new County of Thomas; and that the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 
12th, 15th and 16th Districts of Irwin County constitute the 
new County of Lowndes. 

The next year, 1826, the legislature changed the 8th 
District of Irwin County from Lowndes to Thomas County; 
and it remained a part of Thomas till it became a part of 
Colquitt County, at the creation of Colquitt County, in 1856. 
Hence it is, that the description in many a land deed in Col¬ 
quitt County reads “land lot No., in the 8th land dis¬ 

trict of originally Irwin, then Thomas, and now Colquitt 
County, Georgia.” 

The following bill was introduced in the Georgia House of 
Representatives, at the session of the General Assembly of 
1856, by the Hon. J. C. Browning, representative from 
Thomas County: 

“An Act To Lay Out and Organize a New County, From the 
Counties of Thomas and Lowndes, and For Other Purposes. 

“1. Section /. Be it enacted by authority of the General As¬ 
sembly of Georgia that from and after the passage of this Act, 
a new county shall be laid out and organized, from the coun¬ 
ties of Thomas and Lowndes, including the 8th Dist. of orig¬ 
inally Irwin, now Thomas County, and all that portion of the 
9th Dist., of originally Irwin, now Lowndes, lying west of 
Little River, to where the river crosses the dividing line be¬ 
tween Lots of Land Nos. 443 and 444, in the 9th Dist., thence 
south to the Dist. line between the 9th and 12th Districts, 

“2. Section II. And be it further enacted, That the new 
county described in the preceding section of this Act shall be 
known by the name of Colquitt County, and shall be attached 
to the Southern Judicial District, and to the First Congres- 



COLQUITT LAND TITLES 


19 


sional District, and Second Brigade, and Sixth Division, Geor¬ 
gia Militia. 

3. Section 111. And be it further enacted, That the per¬ 
sons included within the said new county legally entitled to 
vote shall on the first Monday in March next elect five Justices 
of the Inferior Court, a Clerk of the Superior and Inferior 
Court each, a Sheriff and Coroner, a Tax-Collector and Re¬ 
ceiver of Tax Returns, a County Surveyor, and an Ordinary for 
said county, and that the election of said county officers shall 
be held at the house of Elijah English, now in the County of 
Thomas, and superintended as now prescribed by law, and 
such persons as shall be elected shall be commissioned by the 
Governor as now prescribed by law. 

“4. Section IV. And be it further enacted, That the Justices 
of the Inferior Court, after they shall have been commissioned, 
shall proceed to lay off said county into militia districts, and 
advertise for the election of the requisite number of Justices 
of the Peace in such districts, which shall likewise be commis¬ 
sioned by the Governor. 

“5. Section V. And be it further enacted, That the Justices 
of the Inferior Court of said county, after they shall have been 
commissioned, shall have power and authority to select and 
locate a site for the public buildings in said county; and the 
Justices, or a majority of them, are hereby authorized to pur¬ 
chase a tract of land for the location of the county site, to lay 
off town lots, and sell them at public outcry, for the benefit 
of said county, or to make such other arrangements of contracts 
concerning the county site and location and erection of public 
buildings. 

“6. Section VI. That all officers now in commission who 
shall be included in the limits of said county shall hold their 
commissions, and exercise the duties thereof, until the several 
officers for the new county are elected and commissioned. 

“7. Section VII. That all the cases now pending in either 
of the counties of Thomas and Lowndes, and the papers con¬ 
nected therewith between persons residing within the limits of 
said county of Colquitt shall be transferred to said county for 
trial, and everything done which shall be necessary for trial, 
and any defect that may happen shall be amended instanter. 


20 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


“8. Section VIII. And be it further enacted, That the Su¬ 
perior Courts for said county shall be held on the Mondays 
before the first Monday in June and December of each and 
every year, and the Inferior Courts on the first Monday in 
January and July. 

“9. Section IX. And be it further enacted, That the county 
taxes paid by the persons within the limits of the said new 
county the present year, shall be refunded and paid to the 
Inferior Court of said new county, to aid them in erecting pub¬ 
lic buildings. 

“10. Section X. And be it further enacted, That all laws 
and parts of laws in conflict with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed.” 

Approved February 25, 1856. 

This Act was approved by David J. Bailey, President of the 
Georgia State Senate, and by the Hon. William H. Stiles, 
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, and by the 
Hon. Herschel V. Johnson, Governor of the State of Georgia. 
More than eighty years have passed since then. Victoria was 
Queen of Great Britain; Napoleon III was Emperor of the 
French; and Franklin Pierce was President of the United 
States. 



The English Home 


CHAPTER V 


Slavery and Secession 


The Colony of Georgia organizing itself as such, in 1732, 
passed two prohibition laws. First, they forever prohibited 
the making and selling of intoxicating liquors; and, second, 
they forever prohibited human slavery. This was more than 
a century after a New England ship had brought a cargo of 
Negroes to Jamestown, Va., this being the first cargo of Negro 
slaves ever brought to America. These prohibitions, how¬ 
ever, were repealed at the behest of the “Money Power” of 
that time; and, by the end of the Revolution, African slavery 
was fairly general throughout the Colonies. 

However, by the end of the Eighteenth Century, there was 
perceptible a growing feeling against slavery. The sect of 
Quakers started organized opposition to it, and maintained it 
consistently to the end. Washington freed all his slaves under 
the terms of his will, explaining his failure to do this sooner. 
Jefferson gave entire freedom to all his slaves, long before he 
died, in 1826, saying, on one occasion, “When I contemplate 
slavery, I tremble for the fate of my country, knowing that 
God is a just God, and that His justice will not always sleep.” 
Under the influence of such generous impulses, slavery in 
America seemed doomed; and there is no doubt it would have 
completely perished in all the states in another generation, 
but for the invention of the cotton gin, by Eli Whitney, in 
1820. This placed the Southern States in possession of a 
monopoly in the production of the leading material for cloth¬ 
ing in the world; this rendered big plantations necessary; 
and Negro slavery was peculiarly adapted to this. In fact, 
it was impracticable to maintain slavery on small farms. 



22 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Court records now in the Thomas County courthouse, show 
that for the purpose of valuation in the administration of 
estates, Negro slaves, about 1826, were appraised at around 
$450 for adults; while other records, in 1855, show the same 
character of slaves appraised at about $1800 each. 

In 1857, when there were 928 poll tax payers in Thomas 
County, slaves were returned for taxation at $3,773,634.00; 
while the value of all real estate was $2,438,800.47. 

The census of 1860 shows that in Thomas County there 
were, in that year, 4488 white people, and 5985 slaves, and 
thirteen free Negroes. Brooks County had that year 3272 
whites, and 3282 slaves, and two free persons of color. Leon 
County, Florida, had 3194 whites, and 9089 slaves, and sixty 
free Negroes. Jefferson County, Florida, had 3498 whites, 
and 6374 slaves, and forty-three free Negroes. 

The 1860 census of Colquitt County, Georgia, showed 1152 
whites, and only 110 slaves, divided among twenty-seven 
slave-holders. And this, perhaps, because agriculture had not 
become an industry in Colquitt County at that time. There 
were not a half dozen hundred-acre clearings in the county. 
But this is not the only reason for the scarcity of slaves. 
There is not wanting evidence that the overwhelming ma¬ 
jority of Colquitt’s citizens pitied the condition of these 
wretched people, and feared results, remembering the history 
of the Chosen People in Egypt. This writer recalls a vivid 
description by a son of one of the pioneers of Colquitt County 
who died here nearly twenty years ago. He was a boy in 
the 1850’s, and he told me of living near a slave plantation; 
and of constantly hearing in the early nights the cries of 
slaves under the strokes of the lash of the whipping boss— 
“sometimes,” as he expressed it, “his whip would cry for 
half an hour,” and at every stroke of the whip, following it 
so closely as to seem a part of it was the cry of the sufferer to 


SLAVERY AND SECESSION 


23 


the Lord. 


“And,” said the aged man, “Judge, He heered 


By the time the census of 1860 was taken, the “irrepressible 
conflict” had come into sight. The question of Negro slavery 
had thrust itself to the front, over the protests of a great race 
of statesmen. Compromisers like Clay, Benton and Webster 
cried “Peace, Peace!”, as the clouds gathered, portending the 
storm. The Whigs in their Boston Convention, in 1848, 
ignored the slavery question in their platform; and under 
leadership of Abraham Lincoln and Alexander H. Stephens 
placed in nomination for President, General Zachary Taylor, 
who had never voted, and who was the owner of twenty slaves. 
Taylor was elected, but the Whig party died that year. The 
Democrats won with Franklin Pierce, in 1852, and again with 
James Buchanan, in 1856—Colquitt’s birth year. Then, in 
1860, the Democratic party itself was destroyed on the rock 
of slavery, at the Charleston Convention. Afterward, three 
sets of electors were put out by the three divisions, thus mak¬ 
ing it possible for the Republicans to elect Lincoln and Ham¬ 
lin. The three divisions of the Democratic party put out 
sets of electors, as follows: The fire-eaters, as the extreme 
defenders of slavery were called, nominated Breckenridge 
and Lane at the head of electors as follows: 


C. S. McDonald 
H. R. Jackson 
Peter Cone 
W. M. Slaughter 
0. C. Gibson 


H. Buchannon 
L. Tumlin 
H. Strickland 
W. A. Lofton 
W. M. McIntosh 


The regulars, at the Charleston Convention nominated 
Stephen A. Douglas for President and Herschel V. Johnson 
of Georgia, for Vice-President, heading a set of electors, 
as follows: 


24 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


A. C. Wright 
J. L. Seward 

B. Y. Martin 
Nathan Bass 


A. H. Stephens 


H. Warner 
J. W. Harris 


J. P. Simmons 


J. S. Hook 
J. Cumming 


That element of the party disposed to compromise and 
professing to be deaf to the rumblings of the approaching 
storm, put in nomination Bell and Everett over a set of 
electors as follows: 


W. F. Wright 
J. R. Parrot 
J. E. Dupree 
L. Lamar 


Wm. Low 
Ben H. Hill 


S. B. Spencer 
M. Douglas 


L. T. Doyal 

The Republicans put out no ticket in Georgia. 

As has been said, the Breckenridge and Lane ticket was 
put out by the extreme Southern Rights wing of the party. 
The Douglas and Johnson ticket represented the views of 
Douglas on the slavery question, namely—that each terri¬ 
tory and new state should be allowed to decide for itself 
whether or not it would have slavery; and the Bell and 
Everett ticket had the shortest platform ever put out by a 
political group in America, namely: “The Union, The Con¬ 
stitution, and The Laws.” 

It was Colquitt’s first presidential election. One hundred 
and eighty-three votes were polled in all. The Breckenridge 
and Lane electors receiving 115 each. The Bell and Everett 
electors got 67 each, while the Douglas and Johnson 
electors got only 1 each, a remarkable circumstance con¬ 
sidering the fact that the second name on this ticket was 
Governor Herschel Johnson, one of the most distinguished 
sons of Georgia. Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Sr., managed 
for the Bell and Everett ticket, while Henry Gay led the 
fight for the fire-eaters, Breckenridge and Lane. One won¬ 
ders who cast the solitary ballot for Douglas and Johnson. 


SLAVERY AND SECESSION 


25 


This election was held throughout the Union on November 
6, 1860, and the Breckenridge and Lane ticket carried Geor¬ 
gia, easily triumphing over Douglas and Johnson, although 
the fight for it in the State was led by Alexander Stephens 
and Governor Johnson. Neither ticket received a majority 
of the votes cast in Georgia, and the Republicans did not put 
out a ticket in this State. Joseph E. Brown, who at that time 
was Governor of Georgia, although sprung from a “poor 
white family,” like Lincoln, had already allied himself with 
the slave-holding aristocracy, and so on the 20th of No¬ 
vember, he wrote the General Assembly, which was in ses¬ 
sion, saying that considering the fact that it was a certainty 
that the “Black Republican” ticket had been elected, he sug¬ 
gested that the election be not carried into the legislature 
for the purpose of determining Georgia’s electors. On the 
very day of the election he had written to the legislature ex¬ 
pressing his opinion that the Republican ticket would win; 
and that if it should be shown that such was the case, he 
recommended that Georgia secede from the Union. 

As soon as the result of the election was generally known, 
South Carolina did secede from the Union, being swiftly fol¬ 
lowed by Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and 
Texas. 

In the meantime, Governor Brown had seized the United 
States Arsenals at Augusta and Savannah, and was hurrying 
the State of Georgia along toward secession. Finally, the 
matter was submitted to a referendum in which delegates 
were selected to meet at Milledgeville, then the capital, on 
January 16, 1861, for the purpose of considering “the 
state of the Union.” It was a red hot election, in which the 
advocates of secession were led by brothers, Howell Cobb 
and Thomas R. R. Cobb, Robert Toombs and Governor 
Brown; while the conservatives, or opponents of secession 


26 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


were led by A. H. Stephens, Benj. H. Hill and Herschel 
V. Johnson. 

In this referendum, Colquitt seemed to change position, 
since she presented practically a solid front for the Union. 
Only three votes were cast for secession, as follows: John 
D. Dalton, Allen Creed and Darling Creed, the last two be¬ 
ing brothers, and all three being natives of South Carolina. 
Colquitt’s delegates, elected to the Convention at this referen¬ 
dum were Henry Crawford Tucker and John G. Coleman. Of 
course, we have heard of Elder Tucker before, and are to 
hear of him again. However, it was the only political com¬ 
mission that he ever held. The other delegate, Coleman, 
baffles us. The census of 1860 shows that he was a resi¬ 
dent of Colquitt County at that time, having been born in 
South Carolina, and thirty-eight years old—that he had a 
wife and three children, and that he was one of the two 
wealthiest citizens in the county. Records at the State house 
at Atlanta show that within three weeks of the close of the 
Secession Convention, he was elected a judge of the Inferior 
Court of Colquitt County, for a term of four years. At this 
point he drops out of sight. No one remembers him here 
after these seventy years, and the courthouse records having 
been destroyed, in 1881, are out of the equation. He seems 
to have “sunk without trace,” in the confusion incident to 
the Confederate War. 

At the October, 1898, term of Colquitt Superior Court, 
this writer called on the Hon. Aug. H. Hansell, at that time 
presiding judge of the Superior Courts of the Southern Cir¬ 
cuit, at his room in the old Fish Hotel. He was accompanied 
there by Hon. Matt. J. Pearsall, a very brilliant young lawyer 
at the Moultrie Bar. Among many reminiscences with which 
Judge Hansell favored us, was one concerning an experience 
he had as a member of the Secession Convention, where he 
headed the delegation from Thomas County; the Judge was 


SLAVERY AND SECESSION 


27 


invited to attend a conference held on either the first or sec¬ 
ond night of the convention, at the room of United States 
Senator Robert Toombs. When he got there, after supper, 
he found Alexander H. Stephens and others. A few moments 
after the company was assembled, Senator Toombs took the 
chair and said, “Gentlemen, I wanted to confer with you as 
to how I should answer a letter which I have today received 
from the Governor of South Carolina, asking what, in my 
opinion, would be the reaction of this convention, should he 
fire on Fort Sumter.” This, of course, provoked difference 
of opinion; and Mr. Stephens deftly staved off a vote. 
Presently Senator Toombs excused himself from the room 
for a short time, and on his return, said, “Gentlemen, I have 
just received a telegram from the Governor of South Caro¬ 
lina, urging that I wire him what I think would be the re¬ 
action of the delegates here, in case he should fire on Fort 
Sumter.” 

At this, Mr. Stephens procured an adjournment; and as 
he and Delegate Hansell walked away, Mr. Stephens asked 
Delegate Hansell to join him in a plate of oysters in a restau¬ 
rant nearby; and, when they were seated, Delegate Hansell 
said, “Mr. Stephens, don’t you think that if Senator Toombs 
had exhibited and read his letter and telegram to us tonight, 
it would have produced a stronger effect?” 

To which Mr. Stephens answered, “Ah, Hansell, you just 
don’t know Bob. Now I know that he had not received any 
such letter, and that he had not received any such telegram, 
but he thinks he got them.” 

At the time this convention was deliberating, the Secession 
movement had reached a stalemate, the situation being as 
follows: South Carolina had seceded on December 20, 1860; 
and her action had been followed by Mississippi, three weeks 
afterward; Florida had gone out of the Union January 10, 
1861; and Alabama had gone along on January 11, 1861. 


28 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Georgia’s referendum had sent to the Milledgeville convention 
a majority against the Secession movement. The whole move¬ 
ment therefore stood to turn out a fiasco, unless Georgia 
should reverse her position; because Georgia was, as Horace 
Greeley expressed it, a short while before the date of the con¬ 
vention, “The Empire State of the South.” The Georgia 
Secession Convention was one of the most important political 
gatherings that ever met in the history of man—a fact recog¬ 
nized fully by the leaders of both factions in Georgia. 

Leading the Secession minority were Thos. R. R. Cobb, 
aristocratic Presbyterian elder, who lived his religion every 
day, and Governor Joe Brown, also a leading churchman of 
Georgia, whose parents were the poorest of the “poor-whites” 
of the mountains. 

Fiery Cobb, really a great orator, was telling the delegates 
that Secession would cause no war—that the North would 
not fight—that he would agree to drink all the blood that 
would be shed as a consequence of Secession. Poor man: 
less than a year afterwards, he was to meet Benj. H. Hill, 
and tell him how much mental distress he was in as he saw 
the country standing on the threshold of a tremendous con¬ 
flict, saying, “I am opposed to war on principle: it is against 
my religion; but, having led my State into this war, there is 
no honorable course open to me, except to go in and get 
killed.” He resigned his position in the Confederate Con¬ 
gress; went in; and was shot to death, next year, on the heights 
of Fredericksburg. 

His co-worker at the convention, and the one having equal 
responsibility for the convention’s ultimate action,—Gover¬ 
nor Joe Brown, in all probability had no definite opinions 
as to whether war would come or not. We are of the opin¬ 
ion from his record, that the only thing about it that Gover¬ 
nor Joe Brown knew perfectly well was that regardless of 


SLAVERY AND SECESSION 


29 


Cobb’s fate, or the fate of any other, he did not expect to 
encourage himself in getting killed, then or later. 

The anti-secessionists in caucus named Herschel V. John¬ 
son to close the argument for their side. When all the others 
had spoken in the debate, rumor has it that some secessionist 
put through a motion to adjourn for lunch, just as Governor 
Johnson was on the point of taking the floor and making the 
speech which, the friends of the Union expected would do 
the business for the Secession movement, and that something 
happened to him, at lunch. Anyhow, there seems to be no 
doubt that when it came his turn to speak at the reassembling 
of the convention after lunch, his eagle refused to soar. It 
is said that when that great man arose to address the conven¬ 
tion upon the momentous issue, he placed his feet somewhat 
apart; and looking vacantly around over the audience, said 
“I am standing on a rock.” He then looked around some 
more—started off again, and said, “I am standing on a rock; 
and nobody can’t move me.” That’s all. He was led to his 
seat. The test vote was taken without the expected speech; 
and the result showed 160 votes for Secession against 130 
votes against it. Georgia went out; the Confederacy was 
organized; and 350,000 men lost their lives. 

Thomas County’s three delegates voted for the ordinance. 
We are under the impression, from the talk of Judge Hansell, 
hereinbefore referred to, that they must have reversed their 
instructions. Colquitt’s two delegates, Elder Tucker and John 
G. Coleman, both voted for the ordinance. 


CHAPTER VI 
The Civil War 


As has been seen, Colquitt’s delegates to the Secession con¬ 
vention, along with many other delegates, ran counter to the 
instructions of their constituents, and voted to take Georgia 
out of the Union. 

Hon. N. M. Marchant, octogenarian resident of west Col¬ 
quitt, tells us that there was some considerable criticism of 
their action, when they reached home; but this could not have 
been intense, as the record shows that delegate Coleman was 
elected to a position on the Inferior Court bench of Colquitt 
County, within a few weeks after the action and adjourn¬ 
ment of the convention. The truth would appear to be that 
war sentiment swept all the South like a prairie fire, during 
the first part of the year 1861, engulfing, for the time, all 
opposition. For instance, A. H. Stephens, one of the leaders 
against Secession, so long as it was short of an accomplished 
fact, went to Montgomery as a delegate from Georgia, to a 
convention of delegates from the seceded states, and ac¬ 
cepted the office of vice-president of the new “Confederate 
States of America”; and soon afterwards, went to Savannah, 
where he made a speech to a mass meeting of the citizens 
of that town, known to subsequent history as the “Corner 
Stone Address,” in which he proclaimed to the world that the 
corner stone of the projected new government was the per¬ 
petual enslavement of the Negro race; and that this action 
placed the Lord Almighty on the side of the Confederacy, 
guaranteeing that the new government would never fall. It 
was an amazing speech, coming as it did from the second 
highest officer in the Confederacy, since it flew right in the 
face of the most generous impulses of that age. John Bright, 



THE CIVIL WAR 


31 


leader of the Liberals in the British Parliament, denounced 
the new government as, “That unholy combination against 
human liberty.” The Pope simply announced that he would 
pray for peace. The Czar of Russia, who had freed the serfs 
in his own country a few years before, quietly sent the Rus¬ 
sian fleet into New York harbor, conveying assurance to 
Lincoln that it was at his service if needed. 

Anyhow, by the time Fort Sumter was fired on, April 9, 
1861, things were getting around to a fighting complexion; 
and when Lincoln, as a result of the bombardment of Sum¬ 
ter, called on the states remaining in the Union for three 
hundred thousand volunteer soldiers to coerce the Confed¬ 
eracy, a company was organized in Colquitt County to resist 
the coercion of a State, in its right to secede. This com¬ 
pany was called “Company H,” of the 50th Regiment, C. S. A. 
A copy of the roster of this company, as it was organized, 
is inserted here. 

Muster Roll of Company “H,” 50th Georgia Regiment, 

C. S. A. 

J. J. Johnson, 1st Lieutenant Jake Alger, Orderly Sergeant 
John Tucker, 2nd Lieutenant Jerry Wells, Captain 
E. Tillman, 3rd Lieutenant 


Privates: 


Wilson Alger 

Louis Bloodworth 

Jake Kinard 

Jackson Aired 

John Bower 

John Law 

Vance Alger 

Simon Connell 

Marion Lee 

John Alderman 

Jake Croft 

Wright Murphy 

Thos. Alligood 

James Castleberry 

Solomon Mercer 

Andy Alligood 

Jake Creed 

John Mercer 

Jack Allred 

Walt Hancock 

James McMullen 

Irain Allred 

Harrison Hancock 

J. J. Norman 

Allen Allred 

James Hood 

J. S. Norman 

Burrell Baker 

Allen Hart 

Malley NeSmith 


32 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


W. W. Baker 

Hardin Hancock 

Joe Norwood 

W. Bryant 

Simon Hant 

John Owens 

Calvin Bryant 

James Hardwick 

Paul Creed 

Thos. Baker 

John Henly 

Isaac Carlton 

David Culpepper 

Jack Hancock 

Mitchell Tillman 

John Crosby 

Henry Hancock 

Elbert Tillman 

Miles Dukes 

William Hall 

Jordan Tillman 

Wyatt Dukes 

Jesse Hollingsworth 

John Tillman 

William Denmon 

Wash Hollingsworth 

Thomas Tillman 

Elisha Davis 

James Horne 

John A. Tillman 

Elijah Field 

Willis Price 

Harrison Tillman 

N. Flowers 

James Redd 

Lot Townsend 

J. Ganey 

James Robertson 

James Thompson 

Hiram Gay 

Thomas Roland 

Richard Tucker 

Matthew Gay 

Robert Royles 

Henry Varnadoe 

Jack Green 

Charles Royles 

P. 0. Wing 

Moses Guyton 

Joe Simpson 

James Weeks 

David Giles 

George Suber 

Pink Weeks 


Mr. I. McD. Turner, good citizen of Moultrie now and for 
the past fifty years, was in Moultrie as a child, on the day the 
company was organized; and remembers the men volunteers, 
marching two abreast, making a procession of something like 
fifty couples, by where he was standing with his mother. He 
also remembers, after seventy-four years, the wailing of the 
women, whose men were being enrolled. 

The following are reported to us as having been killed in 
action, or as having died in camps, as a result of wounds or 
disease: Burrell Baker, James Castleberry, James Hardwick, 
Miles Dukes, Willis Price, A. Alligood. 

The name Malley NeSmith will be noted on this roster. 
Hon. J. B. Norman, Jr., once related to us a circumstance 
connected with his death, as follows: 

Malachi NeSmith was a young married man when he went 
away with “Company H.” He left a wife and two baby 


THE CIVIL WAR 


33 


boys, living near the home of J. B. Norman, Sr., at what is 
now Norman Park, in Colquitt County. In the Seven Days’ 
Battle, near Richmond, he was wounded desperately, and a 
letter so saying was received by his wife. Mail was brought 
to that vicinity at that time by Star Route once a week, from 
Thomasville; and Mr. Norman, Sr., habitually brought the 
mail. At any rate, on the day it was expected that another 
letter would be received, the anxious wife came with her 
babies to the residence of Norman, to await the coming of 
the mail. Finally Mr. Norman drove up, got out of the 
buggy, and proceeded leisurely to take out his horse. The 
two anxious women pressed out into the lot. “Did you get 
news?” they asked. 

“Yes,” said the man of few words. 

“Well, is it good or bad?” they asked impatiently. 

“Ah,” said he, tactfully, “it’s about like we were afraid 
it would be.” 

Then the ineffaceable recollection of the boy’s mother, seek¬ 
ing to comfort the widow. 

By the way, Mrs. NeSmith remained a widow until her 
death, after she had reared her two boys to maturity—no 
better men ever having been in the county—“Malley” Ne¬ 
Smith and “Matthy” NeSmith. 

After “Company H” had gone away to “foe-fenced camps 
and bloody battle-fields,” other war-like impulses beat in 
the bosoms of some of Colquitt’s sons, witness the following 
letter, on file in the Georgia Department of Archives. 

“Colquitt County, Georgia. 

August 13th/61 
“Hon. Joseph E. Brown, 

Milledgeville, Georgia. 

Dear Sir. 

“I have been Instructed to Inform you that a portion of the citi¬ 
zens of this county assembled today for the purpose of organizing 


34 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


a Malitia or Battalion Master- and there being no lawful officers to 
order the same I was directed by them to request your Excellency to 
appoint or lawfully authorize legal officers to order the same. I was 
also authorized to recommend to your notice James Brown, Esq- of 
this county for the office of Battalion Collonel and James R. Alger 
Esqr for Major. 

“Please put us in a way to prepare ourselves for the Exegencies 
of the times. 

“Hoping Your Early attention 
am yours 

Verry respectfylly, 

Jeremiah Hancock.” 

The prominence of the Tillmans in “Company H” will 
not have escaped attention of the reader, there being eight 
of them, if we count Third Lieutenant E. Tillman. Third 
Lieutenant E. comes into the picture later; as is shown by a 
record on file in the Georgia Department of Archives, of 
which the following is a copy: 


Muster Roll of Captain Elijah Tillman’s Company 

Muster Roll of Captain Elijah Tillman’s Company, in the . 

Regiment, commanded by Colonel . called into 

the service of the Confederate States for local defense, under the 
provisions of the acts of Congress, on the requisition of the Presi¬ 
dent, by Joseph E. Brown, Governor of Georgia, from the fourth 
day of August, 1863, date of this muster, for the term of six months, 
unless sooner discharged, and to serve in the South Western Quarter 
of the state & West of the Altamaha River. 


No. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 


Name 

Present and Absent 
(Privates in Alphabetical Order) 

Elijah Tillman . 

John Selph ... 

Linton Carlton . 

John Tucker ... 

Flournoy Clark . 

Seaborn Weeks .. 


Valuation in 
Dollars of 
Rank Horses 

Captain . 500 

1st Lieutenant .... 500 

2nd Lieutenant .... 

Ensign . 

.1st Sergeant . 400 

.2d Sergeant . 400 














THE CIVIL WAR 


35 


7 Darlin Creed . 

8 John Sloan . 

9 Nathaniel Giles . 

10 James E. Hancock . 

11 Abraham Gay . 

12 Elias Murray . 

13 Thomas Weeks . 

14 Jackson P. Bennet. 

15 John S. Bloodworth ... 

16 James W. Bloodworth 

17 David Bland . 

18 Ezekiel Crosby . 

19 Leroy H. Clark. 

20 David A. Giles . 


21 Mack L. Gay ... 500 

22 Jacob J. Giles .. 250 


23 Spencer Graves ... 

24 Eveander Gunn ... 

25 Wiley N. Holland 

26 Abel P. Hutchison 


27 James W. Hires .. 500 

28 Oliver Hays . 

29 Thomas F. Hampton . 

30 John Johnson ...100 

31 William E. Johnson ... 

32 James Mercer ... 400 


33 Reason J. Marlow . 

34 William H. McCall 

35 Richard J. Mauldin 


36 William Matthis . 

37 Moses C. Norman . . 500 

38 John T. Norman . 600 

39 Richard J. Norman . . 400 

40 Thomas Norwood . 250 

41 John N. Philips .. 500 


.3d Sergeant . 500 

4th Sergeant . 700 

.5th Sergeant . 500 

1st Corporal . 300 

2d Corporal . 500 

3d Corporal . 400 

4th Corporal . 400 

... 125 


300 












































36 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


42 George W. Tucker . 

43 Matthew Tucker . . 

44 Benjamin Weeks ..-. 

45 Joshua Warren . . 

46 Stewart S. May - - 500 

All present. 

Remarks On This Muster Rcll: 

The two Bloodworths have no horses and the Captain thinks they 
are unable to buy horses. 

All others have horses or can purchase them. 


Note: This muster roll was certified August 27, 1863, at Moul¬ 
trie, Ga., by Elijah Tillman, Captain; appraised August 27, 1863, 
at Moultrie, Ga., by Daniel Thomas, Willis Bedinfield, and John 
Turner; certified August 27, 1863, at Moultrie, Ga., by N. T. Mac¬ 
intosh, Lieutenant Colonel, 69th Regiment, Georgia Militia, muster¬ 
ing officer. __ 

Original muster roll on file in Georgia Department of Archives. 
The part italicized is printed on original. 


It will be noticed that 
Moses C. Norman, John T. 
Norman, and Richard J. 
Norman appear on the 
muster roll of Captain Till¬ 
man’s Company. Also, 
that the names of J. J. Nor¬ 
man and J. S. Norman ap¬ 
pear in the muster roll of 
“Company H.” All these 
five men were sons of 
James M. Norman, the Col¬ 
quitt pioneer. J. B. Nor¬ 
man, Sr., another brother, 
already referred to, held 
during the war the position 
of superintendent of the 



J. J. Giles, 94 years old in August, 1936. 
Sole Survivor of Colquitt’s contribution 
to the Confederate Armies. 














THE CIVIL WAR 


37 


distribution of the necessities of the families of the volunteers. 
But the mother of these men was Ruth Tillman, an aunt of 
Captain Elijah Tillman, and a near relative of all the Till¬ 
mans whose names appear as privates in “Company H.” So, 
in a way, Colquitt County’s Tillmans, who were a branch of 
South Carolina’s fighting Tillmans, sent thirteen representa¬ 
tives into the armies of the Confederacy. 

As has already been noted, Colquitt had very few slaves, 
at any time, and none of her citizens looked on slavery as 
indispensable to their welfare personally. While the county 
was a part of Lowndes and Thomas, the citizens of Colquitt 
territory, living remote from the county sites of these original 
counties, had practically nothing to do with politics, local, 
state, or national; and, when the Secession War came on, 
there was no great feeling among her citizens among them¬ 
selves, or, for that matter, against any outsiders. In all, some 
fifteen or twenty of the men enlisted or conscripted in the 
armies of the Confederacy, lost their lives; but not a life was 
lost in guerrilla or partisan fighting. 

Only two Union soldiers ever put foot on the soil of Col¬ 
quitt; and these were prisoners of war escaped from the great 
war prison, at Andersonville, in Sumter County. Toward 
the end of 1864, these two unfortunate youths, making their 
way southward, stopped at the residence of J. B. Norman, Sr., 
near the present site of Norman Park, and asked for “some¬ 
thing to eat.” That good man and his wife entertained them 
over-night; and on the morrow, Mr. Norman gave them a 
little stake and let them proceed. It was done like him, even 
if the war hadn’t been about over anyhow. 

There has been much criticism of the South about the suf¬ 
fering of the prisoners at the prison at Andersonville in 1864. 
This was the year Sherman went through Georgia, when he 
himself said that he destroyed food and feedstuffs to the 
value of $100,000,000, three-fourths of which, he says, was 


38 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

sheer waste. This caused a scarcity, which undoubtedly re¬ 
acted on the unfortunate prisoners at Andersonville. 

We close this chapter with a snapshot of the John K. 
McNeil Camp, Confederate Veterans Association. This pic¬ 
ture was taken on April 26, 1936, on the occasion of 
Memorial Day. All members from Colquitt County are in 
the picture except the venerable J. J. Giles, whose picture 
also appears separately—he being unable, from the infirm¬ 
ities of age, to appear for the group. He was, as will be 
noticed, one of Captain Elijah Tillman’s Company, as per 
muster roll above referred to. The ages of these men are 
marked under the picture. Mr. Giles will be ninety-four in 
the month of October of the present year, and is the only sur¬ 
viving member of Colquitt’s contributions to the armies of 
the Confederacy. The other veterans went into the war from 
other counties, and now reside here. Giles died February 
18, 1937. 



Left to right: J. A. Owen, 92 years old, Joe Owen, 88 years old, S. J. J. Bruce 
102 years old, J. H, Bridgers, 89 years old. 





CHAPTER VII 

Reconstruction 


The Civil War ended with the surrender of Lee, on April 
9, 1865, and the surrender of Johnston, on May 30, 1865. 
President Johnson appointed James Johnson, of Columbus, 
Provisional Governor of the State. Governor Johnson called 
a convention of delegates for the purpose of abolishing 
slavery, as a thing preliminary to the restoration of Georgia’s 
representation in the United States Congress. The Constitu¬ 
tional Convention met in November, 1865, abolished slavery, 
repealed the ordinance as Secession, and went home. 
Flournoy Clark and B. E. Watkins represented Colquitt in 
this convention. 

Flournoy Clark was a Methodist preacher, progenitor of a 
family long prominent in Colquitt County at the time, and 
still prominent. He was the father of Rev. George Clark, 
prominent Baptist minister, and of R. G. Clark, for many 
years clerk of the Superior Courts of Colquitt County, and 
one-time representative of Colquitt in the General Assembly 
of Georgia. Dr. Baker E. Watkins was by profession a phy¬ 
sician, and like Flournoy Clark, was a Methodist preacher. 
He was a native of Kentucky, who moved first to Alabama, 
and afterward to Terrell County, Georgia. He moved to 
“Old Greenfield,” in Colquitt, in 1863, where he practiced 
his profession of medicine. He was the first resident doctor 
in Colquitt County and rode the three-path roads for many 
years in relief of the suffering. 

C. J. Jenkins was elected Governor of Georgia, under the 
provisions of the Constitution of 1865, on November 15th 
of that year. In the meantime, much confusion had arisen 
in Georgia, and “carpet-baggers,” a term applied to political 



40 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


adventurers from the North, appeared in the Fall of 1866. 
Congress passed the “Reconstruction Act,” in March, 1867; 
and Georgia was again taken over by the United States Gov¬ 
ernment, and placed under the control of Gen. John Pope. 
In December, 1867, Gen. Pope called another Constitutional 
Convention, for the purpose of acting on the Reconstruction 
Act of Congress, which provided civil rights for the Negroes 
resident in the State. There were 169 whites and 37 
Negro delegates. The great majority of the white dele¬ 
gates belonged to the “poor-whites” of the State, as the 
non-slave-holding class had long been called, and at the 
time of the assembling of the Constitutional Convention of 
1867, these white delegates were generally known as “Scala¬ 
wags,” a term of reproach applied to them because they had 
gone over to the reconstructionists. The convention ratified the 
Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, which 
provides equal civil rights for Negroes, and all and any other 
classes of citizens. Immediately afterwards, Congress passed 
the Fifteenth Amendment to the National Constitution, pro¬ 
viding equal political rights to Negroes, and forbidding any 
state paying out of its funds any past indebtedness incurred 
in support of rebellion or insurrection. The convention also 
ratified this amendment. 

Colquitt’s delegate to this convention was Rev. Melton C. 
Smith, who moved to Thomas County after the close of the 
Civil War from up near Atlanta—near McDonough to be 
more accurate. He was a Methodist preacher too; and the 
father of Col. Joe Smith, a member of the Colquitt County 
Bar for many years. 

Willis W. Watkins was elected representative of Colquitt 
County in the Georgia House of Representatives, in the ses¬ 
sions of 1865-1866-1867. He was rated as a Republican, 
or “Reconstructionist.” In fact, he was such, died such, and 
gloried in it while he lived, although he was a son of 


RECONSTRUCTION 


41 


Preacher-Doctor B. E. Watkins, the Democrat. Also, he was 
an ex-Confederate soldier; but then so was Gen. James Long- 
street, Lee’s “Right Arm,” who went along with the Repub¬ 
licans or Scallawags of the time. Also, War Governor Joseph 
Emerson Brown joined the popular side, went as a delegate 
to the Republican Convention at Chicago, helped nominate 
Grant, and made a fiery speech in favor of the civil and 
political rights of the Negroes. In 1871-2-3, Isaac Carlton, 
another Republican, represented Colquitt in the legislature. 

The 7th Senatorial District of Georgia, consisting at that 
time of Colquitt, Thomas and Brooks counties, was repre¬ 
sented in the Georgia State Senate by Benning B. Moore, dur¬ 
ing the years 1865-6-7. In the years 1868-9-70, this District 
was represented by Rev. Melton C. Smith. In the years 1871- 
2-3, William L. Clark was State Senator. All these men were 
Republicans, and possibly Moore and Clark were Negroes. 
The Reconstructionists sent to the House of Representatives 
at Washington as Representative of the 2nd District of Geor¬ 
gia, which included Colquitt, Major Richard Whitely, of De¬ 
catur, during the years 1872-3-4-5. He was a Confederate 
soldier, and maintained an office at Bainbridge as a member 
of the partnership of “Donaldson and Whitely,” Attorneys. 

There is no occasion here for a discussion of Reconstruc¬ 
tion as a general State question. This phase of it is suffi¬ 
ciently discussed by saying that now, at least, it appears that 
the giving of political rights to Negroes indiscriminately at 
that time, was a blunder in the science of government. In 
fact, Charles Francis Adams has said it was “the greatest 
blunder ever made in government by the Anglo-Saxon race, 
which has a genius for government, superior to that of 
ancient Rome.” At the time it was done, however, Charles 
Sumner, a great senator, and a sincere patriot, said, “I 
recognize fully the incapacity of the Negro in practical gov¬ 
ernment, but I shall adhere to the policy of political equality 


42 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


in spite of this incapacity, for the reason that I cannot see 
how in a democracy, the Negro can secure his civil rights 
unless he retains his political rights.” 

Nevertheless, notwithstanding the pressure from Washing¬ 
ton, the Negro was steadily forced out of the political pic¬ 
ture in Georgia, and in the South. From a representation of 
something like forty in the General Assembly of Georgia, in 
1869-70, his numbers steadily decreased, until the Democrats 
captured the State in 1874-6. In the latter year, there were 
still sixteen Negroes left in the Georgia legislature. They con¬ 
stituted the balance of power in an exceedingly close race for 
the United States senatorship between Thomas M. Norwood, 
the incumbent, and Benj. H. Hill. After a long deadlock, 
during which they voted for Dawson H. Walker, a white 
Republican lawyer from Dalton, they finally swung to Hill, 
under the expert manipulation of Henry Grady and George 
N. Lester, Judge of the Superior Courts of the Blue Ridge 
Circuit, at the time. At no time since that time have they 
had any considerable representation in the Georgia legis¬ 
lature, and the last one came from Liberty County, more 
than twenty years ago. 

In both state and national elections, in 1876, tremendous 
efforts were put out to recapture control of the southern 
states by the party of the old aristocracy. As has been said 
hereinbefore, a part at least of the old southern leadership— 
men like Longstreet and Joseph E. Brown, sat in the coun¬ 
cils of the Republicans. There is no doubt but that in the 
elections of 1876 “no holds were barred.” On the night be¬ 
fore the presidential election of that year, schoolhouse meet¬ 
ings were held from North Carolina to Texas. A majority of 
these meetings were opened with prayer. 

When the election was over, it was found that an unprec¬ 
edented situation existed. It was the nearest thing to an 
outright tie in a national election that the history of the coun- 


RECONSTRUCTION 


43 


try furnishes; but the equities of the situation pointed to the 
election of Tilden, the Democratic candidate. 

In the interval, between the date of the election and the 
fourth of March, 1877, the date of the inauguration of the 
new President, John B. Gordon and Wade Hampton ap¬ 
proached the Hayes management and proposed to let Hayes 
get the presidency, provided that he would agree to with¬ 
draw from the South all detachments of Federal troops, all 
of which had been stationed there for more than ten years. 
The proposition was accepted. Hayes was made President, 
and the last Federal soldier was withdrawn from the South, 
during the first year of his administration. We believe that 
Wm. E. Smith, Congressman from the Second District of 
Georgia, was the only member of the Georgia delegation in 
that Congress who opposed the Gordon-Hampton deal. 

Of course, when the Federal troops were removed from the 
South, down went the whole political fabric erected by the 
Reconstructionists. The victorious Democrats called another 
Constitutional Convention, which met in 1877, for the pur¬ 
pose of consolidating their 1876 gains. It was dominated 
entirely by General Robert Toombs, presided over by Gover¬ 
nor Jenkins, and submitted to the electorate our present 
Georgia Constitution. Colquitt’s representative in this con¬ 
vention was Henry Gay, the veteran Democrat. 

In the meantime, let us see what was happening to our 
local Reconstructionists, before and during the year 1876. 

In the year 1876, the opposition to the sway of the Recon¬ 
structionists arose in Mitchell County, on one bloody day, 
still referred to as the “Day of the Camilla Riots,” on which 
a Negro or two were killed, several more crippled up, and 
the local Republican leader, a young Yankee, late from the 
North, escaped death only by putting out the Grand Hailing 
Sign of Distress of a well-known secret order. Right then, 


44 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


he removed to an adjoining county, and, henceforth eschew¬ 
ing politics, he spent a lifetime as a useful and valued citi¬ 
zen. Down in Thomas County, at the State general elections, 
Confederate Colonel Robt. G. Mitchell mounted his horse, 
rode down to the polling-place, pistol in hand, and single- 
handed dispersed the Negro voters, to return no more. 

Willis W. Watkins, ex-Confederate soldier, who was a Re¬ 
publican and rejoiced in it, was a candidate for State Sen¬ 
ator, in 1876, but was defeated by James McDonald—largely 
by the aristocracy of Brooks County. In fact his advertised 
Quitman meeting was broken up with eggs—“in due and 
ancient form.” 

In Colquitt, Republican Jim Murphy was defeated for the 
legislature by J. B. Norman, Jr., in a close race in which 
trouble was kept down by the cool counsels of both candi¬ 
dates. 

Dan. Luke, resourceful leader of the Reconstructionists in 
Thomas County, has been dead more than a generation, and 
is buried in the Thomasville Cemetery. Willis Watkins died 
about 1898, and is buried in the same cemetery as Luke. 
Jim Murphy, who kept down a bloody riot at the elections 
in Colquitt County, in 1876, as he was being defeated by 
J. B. Norman, Jr., in his race for the legislature, lived quietly 
afterwards on his ancestral farm, near the Ochlochnee, in 
south Colquitt, where he died in good financial circumstances, 
in 1912. He is buried in the family graveyard, within a 
few steps of the house erected by his father, Henry Murphy, 
more than a hundred years ago. So much for the local as¬ 
pects of what is still styled by politicians who consider them¬ 
selves in danger, as “the Terrible Era of Reconstruction.” 

The Reconstructionists must be credited with giving the 
State an excellent judiciary, and with having placed the pub- 


RECONSTRUCTION 


45 


lie school system in our fundamental law, where, of course, 
it will remain forever. 

A thing, too, that has some of the elements of pathos in 
it, is this: The legislatures of 1866-7-8-9 appropriated 
$200.00 a year to pay the educational expenses of “crippled 
and indigent soldiers,” at the University of Georgia, at 
Emory College, and perhaps at Mercer University. In the 
years during which this was done, some 350 or 400 such 
Confederate soldiers received aid. To say the least, this 
was a long way ahead of the “New Deal,” smacks strongly 
of socialism, and antedates by several years any pension 
system in the State of Georgia. Not so bad for the ex-slaves 
and the “Scalawags.” 


CHAPTER VIII 


The County Site 


In 1851, A post office was established at the cross-roads 
near the center of what is now Moultrie, and named “Ocklock- 
ney.” Of course, this was in Thomas County at the time, 
and when Colquitt was created, “Ocklockney” then became a 
post office in Colquitt County, and so remained until 1857, 
when the name was changed to Moultrie, a name which the 
post office and the town has retained until now, and of course 
will to the end of time. Doubtless the idea of change 
originated with Darling Creed, native of South Carolina. 

The county site came near being located right on the east 
bank of the Ochlochnee River, and both sides of the Moul¬ 
trie and Camilla road. In fact, the justices of the Inferior 
Court were on the point of buying fifty acres at that point, 
comprising at least a portion of the present property of the 
Moultrie Cotton Mills, from a Mrs. Bryan, when A. C. Butts, 
of Bibb County, Georgia, who owned property in the vicinity, 
made a deed of gift to a tract of fifty acres to the justices of 
the Inferior Court, for the location of its public buildings, 
and for sale for the benefit of the county. This was in 1859. 
The gift was accepted, and the new town was made the county 
site by the justices of the Inferior Court. 

William Moultrie was born in the State of South Caro¬ 
lina in 1731. He was a captain in the South Carolina militia 
before the Revolution, his commission being dated in 1761. 
In 1775 he was a member of the South Carolina “Provincial 
Congress”; and in the same year, was made a colonel in 
the South Carolina militia. 

In 1776, he erected a fort of palmetto logs and sand, on 
Sullivan’s Island in Charleston harbor. This he did against 



THE COUNTY SITE 


47 


the advice of his superiors, who told him it would never 
stand up against a bombardment. “Well, if they knock it 
down, we’ll roll up behind the wreck; and still prevent them 
from landing troops,” said Moultrie. 

It did stand up against a bombardment of three days by 
the fleet of Admiral Sir Peter Parker. When a cannon ball 
would strike it, the soft logs and sand would absorb it, and 
there was no knocking down of the walls. We read all about 
it in a copy of “The Southern Reader,” which bore all the 
marks of great age, when we were a boy. It sounded good 
to us—an American backwoodsman, ignorant of military 
tactics, whipping the hound out of a member of the British 
peerage, sporting so high-sounding a name as “Admiral Sir 
Peter Parker.” 

Seriously, our own personal opinion is that the name of 
Colquitt’s county site was an inspiration. 

The general post office directory shows a Moultrie in Ohio, 
and another in Florida. Which is good; but we think that 
Major-General William Moultrie’s namesake in Georgia will, 
next after his construction of a fort of palmetto logs, be his 
best claim on immortality. There is “something in a name,” 
after all. “Give a dog a bad name, and kill him,” runs the 
adage; and, if this be true, then it is equally true that it 
works no injury to dogs or towns to name them well. 

The Continental Congress formally thanked Colonel Moul¬ 
trie for his palmetto log fort. He was a Major-General at 
the end of the Revolution; and was twice elected Governor 
of South Carolina. He died in 1805. 

In 1873, Jane Fowler, an unmarried half-sister of Robt. 
Bearden, came to Moultrie to live with the Beardens, but did 
not remain long, for the reason, as rumor has it, that she and 
Aunt Sally Bearden did not get along in perfect concord. So 
a man named Billy Holt hired Miss Fowler to go out and stay 


48 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


at his home which was afterwards known as the 44 Joe Norman 
place” on the Moultrie and Sumner public road, and stay 
with his wife, it being necessary for him to be much absent 
from home to attend his extensive holdings of cattle and 
sheep. 

Mr. Holt was accustomed, when he came to Moultrie, to 
ride a spirited horse, which he would put into a brisk gallop 
as he came into the town from the north. One morning. 
Miss Fowler put a sidesaddle on this horse, and rode it into 
Moultrie. As she came down the hill north of the present 
site of the present A. B. and C. Depot, she lost control of 
the horse, which ran away and dashed down West Broad or 
Main Street till it came to the courthouse square. There was 
no fence around the square, and so the horse ran into the 
west side of the square and into a chinaberry tree which 
stood near the present site of the Confederate monument, 
where it whirled suddenly, and throwing Miss Fowler around 
the tree-trunk, killed her instantly. 

Robert Bearden was Moultrie’s first merchant. As best we 
can learn, he came to Moultrie with his wife, 44 Aunt Sally,” 
from Thomasville, about 1856, the birth year of the county. 
Of course, this was before there was any Moultrie, but the 
story goes that this couple drove up from Thomasville in a 
one-horse wagon; and that a Mr. Sheffield, a merchant of 
Thomasville, staked them with a small stock of goods—per¬ 
haps was a partner in the enterprise himself at first. John 
Sheffield of Americus, staked the Beardens for many years. 
The census of 1860 shows that both the Beardens were born 
in South Carolina. 

So the Beardens put up a storeroom on the present site of 
the Moultrie Banking Company, which fronted south, being 
at the intersection of North Broad Street and West Broad 
Street—now at the northeast intersection of Central Avenue 
and Main Street. To the north of this storeroom were some 


THE COUNTY SITE 


49 


rooms, which furnished a bar, and a big dining room. Still 
further north were other rooms containing beds for rent. 
Aunt Sally was a famous cook, and her praises have rung 
down the grooves of time, as they were sounded by her custom¬ 
ers, until this good hour. Since the Beardens’ establish¬ 
ment was really an inn, and sold drinks; and since in those 
days, the men frequently took “appetizers” just before sit¬ 
ting down to a meal, it is just possible that this circumstance 
influenced their appreciation of Aunt Sally’s cookery. 

However, we are not disposed to discount her art or its 
praises, as they come down to us from the remote past. In 
truth, our mouth waters at mention of the “chicken cooked 
with red rice and seasoned with butter and a little pepper and 
salt; green field peas with raw onions and green peppers, 
served with corn bread. Also served with coffee or both kinds 
of milk. Dessert: sweet potato custard.” 

The Beardens having bought out the interest of partner 
Sheffield, commenced life work on their own and became 

“Two souls with but a single thought, 

Two hearts that beat as one.” 

For more than thirty years. Aunt Sally, in addition to 
her culinary and household duties, could handle a customer 
in the store or inn, as well as her husband. Neither had any 
foolish extravagances—like helping the poor, giving to the 
church, or contributing to the missionary fund. 

As the nearest trading points were at least thirty miles 
away, the Beardens had a monopoly, and so put on the 
traffic “all that it would bear.” Far from discouraging credit, 
Bearden extended it freely, since it gave him a chance to 
charge exorbitant prices with a better face. His only diver¬ 
sion was fishing and hunting, in which Job Turner and John 
Tucker were his boon companions; but when he had ac¬ 
cumulated a big account against each of these men, he didn t 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


50 

hesitate a moment to sue his claims to judgment and levy 
his executions. And this was his invariable custom; not¬ 
withstanding the fact that he put prices on his wares the 
highest of which we have any account. Shoes of the coarsest 
grade at $6 per pair; coffee at 50c per pound, raw; meal at 
50c per peck; and flour at $18 per barrel; and whiskey at 
$2 per gallon, although it could easily be made for 25c a 
gallon then, as well as now. The only contribution that the 
Beardens made to the welfare or progress of the human race, 
during their sojourn in Moultrie was Aunt Sally’s cooking. 

Along about 1892, the Beardens sold their stock of goods 
to Millsap and McPhaul; deeded away their property to the 
highest bidder for cash; and, taking the $150,000 that 
they had accumulated during their stay in Colquitt, they 
moved back to Thomasville, where Bearden soon died. Im¬ 
mediately a perfect swarm of elderly gentlemen, widowers 
and bachelors, began to fly around Aunt Sally, every one of 
them swearing to his undying love for her, based on her 
personal charms alone; but that bereft lady was adamant 
to their impetuous appeals till old Jack Alford, from up 
Poulan, appeared on the scene; and such was the witchery 
and potency of his “line” that in no time he had scattered 
his rivals, and took the memorable trip over the broom, 
a-holding Aunt Sally’s hand. In about two years more, Aunt 
Sally lay down and died, leaving lover-jack with nothing in 
the world to console himself for his bereavement except the 
little old $150,000 which he, under the Florida inheritance 
laws, took in its entirety, there being no inheritance tax 
foolishness in those halcyon days. Lover-Jack, too, has 
passed on, they tell us, having lost in some wild-cat scheme 
a considerable portion of the $150,000, and we have not 
thought it worth while to try to trace the remainder. 

Moultrie’s second merchant was William B. Dukes, already 
seen as an advertiser in Moultrie’s first effort at ad- 


THE COUNTY SITE 


51 


vertising her resources in a big way. Mr. Dukes was 
a native of Thomas County, and by 1891, had built up 
a big general trade at Chastain, down on the Ochlochnee, on 
the Thomas County line. This was easy, since Chastain was 
not so far from Thomasville, which was its shipping point. 
Also, it catered to a big section of Colquitt. It is a fact that 
Mr. Duke’s sales force at Chastain sold as much as $1500 in 
cash on Saturdays. His salesmen were Henry and Aaron 
Murphy, Jo. J. and George Battle, and a Mr. Munroe. 

When the railroad came to Moultrie in 1893, Mr. Dukes 
moved his family and merchandise to Moultrie, bringing 
along his entire set-up of salesmen. He made money from 
the jump. In 1898, his residence on what is now First Street, 
S. E., was the most pretentious house in town. It is there yet, 
opposite the First Methodist Church, and a little south—a 
two-story frame building. In it lived Mr. Dukes and his 
family in 1898, and there he continued to live with his family 
until 1907. During this time, Mrs. Dukes kept boarders in 
this house. Some of whom will come into this history a 
little further on. 

It will occasion surprise, we think, when we inform the 
present resident in Moultrie that in June, 1898, there were 
less than ten trees in Moultrie, four of which were in the 
street between the present Methodist Church and the front of 
the Dukes’ residence. First Street came to a full stop a little 
further south, and Mr. Dukes, being a lover of trees and 
flowers, refused to allow his four pine trees to be removed 
from the street in front for a long time. On the corner where 
at present is situated the Methodist Church was a two-story 
frame building called the “Piney Woods Hotel a name 
possibly derived from the proximity of Mr. Dukes’ four pine 
trees. North of the Methodist Church, and on the sidewalk 
opposite, being on the north side of Fourth Avenue, stands one 
of the oldest trees in Moultrie. It is sixty-two years old, a 


52 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


fact which is known from a story that Mr. A. B. Hall, a resi¬ 
dent in Moultrie during the past sixty-two years, tells us of 
his having gone with his mother to this small oak for the 
purpose of getting some inside bark to be used for some in¬ 
digestion ailment to which teething children were subject. 
Another rumor is that a tea made from such bark was a sure 
cure for digestive troubles sustained by a teething child that 
had never seen its father. 


CHAPTER IX 
First White Settlers 


We have seen that the counties of Lowndes and Thomas were 
created in 1825 from portions of Decatur and Irwin coun¬ 
ties; that the 8th Land District of originally Irwin was 
finally made a part of Thomas County; and that the 9th 
Land District of Irwin became a part of Lowndes. 

We have also seen that the County of Colquitt, created 
February 25, 1856, was given the whole of the said 8th 
Land District of originally Irwin, then Thomas County, along 
with “all that portion of originally Irwin, then Lowndes 
County, lying west of Little River to where the river crosses 
the dividing line between lots of land Nos. 443 and 444, 
both in the 9th District, thence south to the district line be¬ 
tween the 9th and the 12th Districts.” 

It is extremely difficult to obtain accurate statistics as to 
the first settlers of this territory comprising the present terri¬ 
tory of Colquitt, all of which is included in the cession of 
land exacted from the Creek and Seminole Indians, in period 
covered by the years 1814 to 1818, inclusive, which cession, 
as we have seen was made to the State of Georgia. However, 
a list of the heads of families in Lowndes County, taken from 
the U. S. Census of 1830 (see Appendix) contains several 
names of citizens of that part of Lowndes County that was, 
twenty-six years later, incorporated into the new County of 
Colquitt. Some are recognizable as such. For instance the 
name of Randall Folsom is there; and a matter of three years 
ago, a Randall Folsom, at the age of ninety, passed away in 
that portion of Colquitt that was taken from Lowndes by the 
Colquitt Act of 1856. 



54 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Also, in this list of the heads of Lowndes families, made 
in 1830, appears the name of James M. Norman. We know 
that the name of this pioneer appears as a Justice of the 
Peace, in the Lowndes part of Colquitt’s territory, as early 
as 1849. This indicates that he may have resided in the 
Colquitt part of Lowndes as early as 1830; or it could in¬ 
dicate that, in 1830, he lived in some other part of Lowndes, 
and, by 1849, had moved to the Colquitt part of Lowndes. 
In fact, there is a tradition around Nashville, Ga., that Jas. 
M. Norman moved from Liberty County, Ga., to a farm near 
Nashville, before 1830, lived there for some time, and then 
crossed over Little River into the part of Lowndes that came 
into Colquitt. It is to be remembered that the whole of 
Berrien County was a part of Lowndes in 1830, and for some 
years afterwards. All this may be said of Thomas Selph, 
another name on this 1830 list, as well as of the three listed 
Tillmans—John, Jeremiah and Joshua. 

Finally, there appears in the 1830 list the name of “Henry 
Tucker,” and we think it is entirely likely that this is the 
same as Colquitt’s pioneer, Elder Henry Crawford Tucker, 
shown by his gravestone, now standing in the graveyard of 
Bridge Creek Primitive Baptist Church, eight miles west of 
Moultrie, and on the banks of Bridge Creek, to have been 
twenty-five years old, when the census of 1830 was taken. 

In the Appendix to this book will be found a list of all the 
heads of families in Thomas County, as they existed in 1840, 
the list being separated into militia districts, existing at that 
date. Reference to this shows that Hilery Murphy (Hillary) 
and David Murphy, headed families in the Thomasville dis¬ 
trict, in 1840. These men pioneered from North Carolina to 
Thomas County, between 1830 and 1840, according to family 
tradition preserved by their descendants now residing in Col¬ 
quitt County. These two men settled on the line separating 
the Thomasville district of Thomas County from the 8th 


FIRST WHITE SETTLERS 


55 


District of the same county, both finally getting over into the 
8th, where they continued to reside until the 8th District was 
incorporated into Colquitt County. The list of heads of fam¬ 
ilies in the 8th District of Thomas County (Colquitt County, 
since 1856) will have special interest for the student of Col¬ 
quitt County’s history. In addition to the Gregorys, the Han¬ 
cocks, the Laniers, the Sloans, the Vicks, the Halls and the 
Stricklands, all of which names are now known or easily re¬ 
membered by the average citizen of Colquitt, notice will be 
had of Henry Murphy, the great-great-uncle of the brothers 
Henry and Aaron Murphy, at present prominent citizens of 
Moultrie. We also note that the Henry Tucker appearing in 
the list of heads of families in Lowndes County in 1830, is 
listed in 1840 among the heads of families of the 8th Land 
District of Thomas County, as Henry C. Tucker. Doubtless 
both are aliases of Elder Henry Crawford Tucker, the Col¬ 
quitt County patriarch. 

In studying the lists of heads of families set out in the 8th 
Land District of Colquitt County division, we find that James 
M. Norman has moved, since 1830, from the 9th Land Dis¬ 
trict of Lowndes to the 8th Land District of Thomas. There 
is no doubt about this, family tradition assures us. It is 
the same James Mitchell Norman, who lived from about 

1845 to 1854 on land lot.in the 8th Land District 

of Colquitt, with his wife, Ruth Tillman Norman, the pair 
becoming the founders of the county’s most noted family. 

In the list of heads of families of Thomas County in 1840 
will be noticed the name of Artaxerxes B. Norman, a full 
brother of James M. Norman, both having sprung from North 
Carolina stock and migrated to Georgia about 1820. It is 
thought that when the parents of this baby named him after 
the Persian king, he became the only person in the world 



56 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


called “Artaxerxes.” This man had a son named David, 
whose tombstone is in the Sardis Primitive Baptist Cemetery, 
who had sons as follows, all of whom have lived in Colquitt: 
Philip, Moses Xerxes and Virgil, the last two of whom are 
still alive. A copy of “Plutarch’s Lives” must have been 
lying around two or three generations of this branch of the 
Norman tribe. 



HENRY CRAWFORD TUCKER 

Photographs of the Colquitt Pioneers are not easy to obtain. Here is a chance 
find we picked up of Elder H. Crawford Tucker, born in 1803. He spent 
most of his life in the Colquitt territory. Married three times, the Elder was. 
The census-taker in 1860 found him and one of his wives with thirteen children. 
Probably the second wife. 





CHAPTER X 


The Pioneer Family 


Speaking of pretty girls and sparking, the girls of the 
pioneer period were not only easy to look at, according to 
all accounts, and judging by such daguerreotypes as we have 
seen; but there was nothing to prevent Nature having her way 
in the business certain to arise, when youth meets youth. 
Marriage was both natural and easy. Land was cheap, some¬ 
times selling as low as 25c per acre, and cheap land is 
essential to the organization of families. 

It is a tradition in Colquitt that, when “Uncle Bryant Nor¬ 
man” appeared in the legislature as representative of Col¬ 
quitt County, and was asked by some one what was the popu¬ 
lation of Colquitt, he answered, “mostly, beef and taters.” 
The story is perhaps an invention of John Tucker, Norman’s 
fellow citizen, at the time; but, if he did make that reply, 
he was not far wrong, at that. For cheap lands mean plenty 
of good solid foodstuffs; and Malthus is our authority for 
the assurance that a high birth-rate is dependent on a plenti¬ 
ful supply of “good rations.” And it is easily demonstrated 
that a combination of good fat beef and baked yellow yams 
is about as perfect a food as has ever been in the world. 
Anyhow, the young folks of the pastoral era married, and 
were set up for making a living by their parents on a 
moderate sized piece of land with the necessary household 
equipment, and the babies came along as fast as the law 
allowed. 

As illustrating this claim, reference is here made to Elder 
Henry Crawford Tucker, who had already settled in this 
section in 1830, and who died in the county about 1881. 
The Elder was married to three wives, who bore him thirty- 



THE PIONEER FAMILY 


59 


two children, all of whom he brought to adulthood, and all 
of whom except one married and reared large families in 
Colquitt County. The exception was a girl of seventeen, who 
died from burns received when she fell into a kettle of boil¬ 
ing syrup and figs, which she was tending in the yard at her 
father’s residence. The Elder himself was killed by a run¬ 
away horse, when he was still “going good” at eighty-one. 

In 1898 Hiram Hancock, a grand-son, by the way, of 
Elder Tucker, married Emma Strickland, a grand-daughter 
of James M. Norman, another pioneer of Colquitt. This 
couple did not have a dime, but they bought some cheap land 
“on a credit,” and went to work. Hiram “muscled out” the 
payments and got a deed to the land, which, by that time, 
was worth two or three times the original purchase price. 
In the meantime, his wife was doing her own work and hav¬ 
ing a girl baby every two years, and less time. She had 
eleven of them, one at a time, and died in child-bed with 
twin boys. The father himself is now dead; but every one 
of the thirteen children is alive and well, and a self-sup¬ 
porting citizen of Colquitt County. 

Berry Hancock, a brother of Hiram, married Ella Strick¬ 
land, a sister of Emma, and they had, in all, fourteen chil¬ 
dren, raising ten of them. Jim Strickland, their brother, has 
seventeen children living, by his two wives. J. R. Edmond¬ 
son married Florence Strickland, sister to Emma and Ella, 
and this couple lives in Colquitt County with their eleven 
children. The parents of all these Stricklands had ten chil¬ 
dren themselves. Dan Strickland, their uncle, raised seven¬ 
teen children by his two wives. Steven and Elijah Strickland, 
cousins of Emma, et ah, have eleven children each, by one 
wife. 

Instances of such large families in Colquitt, now and in 
the past, could be extended till it would make a good-size 
book. All this seems the more remarkable, when it is con- 


60 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


sidered that, for the most part of the pastoral era, not a soul 
in the county had ever heard of a screened door or window, 
a germ, or a vitamin. Since seeing is believing, we close 
this chapter with a copy of a photograph taken at a family 
reunion on the occasion of a birthday of Hon. John Tucker. 
All in this group are descendants of Mr. Tucker, and his 
wife, Susan, except some elderly people, sitting at his right 
on the front row. It is put in because it is a good “Beef an’ 
Tater” exhibit. 
























CHAPTER XI 


Diversions in the Pastoral Era 


It is doubtful if there was a white settler in the territory 
that is now Colquitt County, before 1820; and it is not known 
who was the first. In the panel of the first grand jury ever 
impaneled in Thomas County appears the name of Michael 
Horne. This was in 1826, the year after Thomas was created. 
A few years later, a man of this name was living in what is 
now Colquitt—that is, he was living in the 8th Land District 
of Thomas County. 

Investigation of the Thomas County records does not de¬ 
velop that citizens of the 8th Land District ever held public 
office in Thomas, willed property, or served on grand juries, 
although it was a part of the county from 1825 to the crea¬ 
tion of Colquitt in 1856—a period of thirty-one years. The 
same thing may be said of that portion of the 9th Land Dis¬ 
trict of Lowndes County that was incorporated with the 8th 
Land District of Thomas to make the County of Colquitt. 

This condition was due to the fact that the sections that 
were joined in making Colquitt were remote from the county 
sites; were without a single foot of railroad; were not in 
the neighborhood of navigable streams; and had no adequate 
system of public or private schools; and no system of public 
roads, except the crude three-path roads of the period. And 
all these conditions continued after Colquitt was created, and 
till 1893. It is believed confidently that no such backward 
conditions existed in any county in Georgia from 1820 to 
1893. In addition to these conditions, mail facilities were 
wretched. One mail delivery per week from such points as 
Thomasville and Albany; and during half of that time, there 
was not over one post office in the county. 



DIVERSIONS IN THE PASTORAL ERA 


63 


All this resulted in a curious thing: there was an actual 
falling off in literacy and culture. For illustration, the origi¬ 
nal settlers could, as a rule, read and write, having come from 
sections that maintained schools of some sort, but as a rule, 
their children could not read and write. These were fol¬ 
lowed by a third generation, alike illiterate. In preparation 
of this history, investigation has frequently confirmed this. 

Emerson said somewhere that tragedy may lie largely in 
the eye of the beholder; so it is in order to take stock of some 
of the assets of life as it was spent in Colquitt County during 
the seventy years of the pastoral era. 

To begin with, it was a hunter’s and fisherman’s paradise. 
Flocks of red deer could everywhere be seen, feeding on the 
wire-grass, cane-shoots and wild oats. “The saddles,” as 
the hind and fore-quarters of venison were called, made good 
eating, either as fresh meat or as smoked; and the gravy was 
past all praise. Wild turkeys swarmed over wood and 
swamp in thousands; besides a wealth of squirrels, rab¬ 
bits and partridges. A Mr. Jeff Holder, with his wife, 
a Miss Sheffield, married and set up housekeeping in 
Early County in the early 1830’s. They put up a log 
house, and made their first crop on deer meat. For bread, 
they strung up and dried out the “white meat” of wild turkey- 
breasts, after which they cut it up and beat it into a kind of 
flour, and kneaded it for bread. After gathering their first 
crop of corn, they changed to corn bread and hog meat. So 
the bride told this writer when she was ninety-five. A Mr. 
D. A. Mashburn, who lived for many years on the old Moul- 
trie-Doerun Road, told this writer, on the day before his 
death, about the red deer that swarmed in the vicinity of 
Moultrie, even as late as 1880. “We children doted on the 
gravy,” he said. A pack of dogs were running a deer to 
the east of Moultrie, in 1881. In a panic, it ran westward 
squarely across the courthouse square. Seeing crowds on 


64 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


the west side, it whirled and dashed away to the south. As 
Miles Monk, Sr., was standing to be married, in a Colquitt 
County yard, in the middle 1860’s, a young fawn ran out of 
the surrounding woods, and stopped between his legs. So 
goes the tradition, and the accounts of surviving witnesses. 

The wild turkey, as is well known to every hunter, is the 
shyest of all American birds. The pioneer in Colquitt caught 
them in pens built of sapling logs. After these pens were 
erected, a ditch or trench was dug from some point outside 
the pen, extending under one of the sides. Corn or other 
grain was strewed at the bottom of the trench, all the way 
under the side; and when the leader of a flock of these birds 
got to “gobbling up” this bait, he would pass right under 
the side of the pen to be followed by all the others, as fast 
as they could enter. Then with heads directed at the open 
spaces between the poles above the ground they would run 
around until they were taken out by the trapper. Too, many 
a fat gobbler has fallen a victim of the gunner huntsman, 
who had a way of blowing a kind of whistle on a bone, in 
excellent imitation of the love call of the turkey gobbler to 
his mate. One living citizen of Colquitt has assured the 
writer that he has seen his father, David Murphy, former 
sheriff of this county, shoot more than one wild turkey from 
his porch, four miles from Moultrie, as late as the 1870’s. 

The streams of Colquitt County were choked with fish for 
many years. The older settlers now say that the astonishing 
thing about it was the number of fish found in the little 
branches and pools. David Murphy caught them in the 
Ochlochnee a few miles south of Moultrie, fifty years ago, 
by the wash-tub full. So aver his sons, Henry Murphy and 
Aaron Murphy, both well-known citizens of Moultrie, today. 
Their mother, so they assert, when she decided she wanted 
fish to eat, simply stepped down to the Ochlochnee from 


DIVERSIONS IN THE PASTORAL ERA 


65 


their nearby residence, and caught a “mess,” with pole and 
line. Other streams like Little River on the east, and creeks 
like Bridge Creek, the Warrior, Big Indian, Little Indian and 
the Ocapilco, were jammed full of fish. This condition fur¬ 
nished an easily obtained and toothsome food; and also much 
diversion, when an entire family, either in a separate group 
or in groups of other families, fished and picnicked, cook¬ 
ing the catch by the side of the streams by frying the fish in 
plenty of hot grease, with an occasional rasher of the smoked 
bacon of the period thrown in; and all served with black 
coffee and corn pone. It is here confidently asserted that a 
world which furnishes such experiences is not an altogether 
bad place in which to do a little sojourning. 

Here is a list of varieties of what the poet would call “the 
finny tribe” that swam the streams of Colquitt, in the days of 
old: trout, blue bream, red-breast perch, jack, red-horse 
sucker, blue cat, channel cat, red-finned pike, warmouth 
perch. Every one of the above varieties made eating fit for 
Lucullus’s banquets, given to kings; but the red-finned pike, 
according to the judgment of veteran fishermen, seems to have 
had it on all the others, having no bones except the backbone. 
However, the warmouth perch was perhaps the most popular 
fish, being plentiful that way, and sometimes so large as to 
make “more than a meal” for a single person. 

And all these different kinds of fish are fairly plentiful in 
Colquitt streams, even at this late date; and there is no doubt 
that the stock could be so conserved that they would always 
be sufficient in numbers to make it possible to go fishing with 
hook and line, and come in with “a good mess of fish” for 
an ordinary family. Something should be done to protect 
our fish and wild life. Liming and other poisoning of our 
fish streams and lakes, which is now violative of our State 


66 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


law, should be swiftly and sharply punished. Moreover, it 
might be a good thing to condemn or purchase whatever 
swamp lands are available for fishing and hunting preserves, 
and place it under the care of wardens; so as to preserve for 
posterity a part, at least, of the hunting and fishing privileges 
of by-gone days. 


CHAPTER XII 


Education in the Pastoral Era 


There were no SCHOOLS in Colquitt County before the Civil 
War. At least, we have been able to bear of none. This, 
for the reason that there was no free school system in Geor¬ 
gia, anywhere, and the only schools at all were subscription 
schools, entirely dependent, for the teacher’s salary, on tui¬ 
tion fees, paid by the parents and guardians of the pupils. 
Of course, there were none of these in Colquitt County, due 
to the scattered nature of the population. For these reasons, 
the children that came into existence during the pastoral era, 
very generally grew up illiterates, as did their children also, 
and sometimes, their grandchildren. 

The first school we have been able to get an account of 
was a three-months term of a subscription school, taught by 
a Mr. Breeton, in 1866. It ran for three months and was 
held in a single room log residence, standing a little less than 
four miles north of Moultrie, on the west side of the old 
Moultrie and Albany public dirt road. Mr. I. McD. Turner, 
a present resident of Moultrie, has told us all about this 
school. He was one of the “scholars”; and, in company 
with his sister, Mary Lizzie, he “footed it” from the residence 
of his grandfather, Amos Turner, which stood on the present 
site of the Moultrie Carnegie Library. Two of the girl chil¬ 
dren of Peter 0. Wing came and went with the Turner chil¬ 
dren. “Cam” Carlton, a daughter of Hardy Carlton, who 
lived in the Elijah English house, something like a mile on 
the Moultrie side of the schoolhouse, was a pupil, being about 
ten years old. Also, Nancy Tucker was there, being about 
eighteen years old, and the daughter of George Tucker, and 
a granddaughter of Elder Crawford Tucker, the patriarch, 



68 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


the prettiest girl in the school, Mr. Turner confidently avers, 
after seventy years. Of course, “Twas ever thus, from 
childhood’s hour”—a ten-year-old boy like Mr. Turner al¬ 
ways gets interested in a grown “gal,” his “hopeless fancy 
feigning kisses on lips that are for others.” Two years later, 
Miss Nancy married John T. Register. We have seen her 
when she was a grandmother; and so make no doubt that the 
boy, I. McD., was a good picker. John T. Register was him¬ 
self a handsome man; and their children were a good- 
looking lot. 

0. N. Gregory’s children came from a point north of the 
schoolhouse near what is now known as Schley, three or four 
miles away. The sister, Lizzie Turner, was to grow up and 
marry John Crosby. 

Daniel Highsmith sent one or two pupils, and with them 
came Henry and Hiram Gay, all from the neighborhood of 
“New Elm,” now so called. 

Teacher Breeton whipped ’em when they did not “know 
their lessons,” as Mr. Turner stands ready to vouch, having 
taken at least one in the palm of his hand. 

There was only one room, and the boys and the girls oc¬ 
cupied straight benches without backs on opposite sides of 
the room. At such times as “recess,” or at the dinner hour, 
they played in separate playgrounds. No co-ed foolishness 
was tolerated by Master Breeton. None that could be 
avoided, certainly. 

The favorite game among the boys was “deer-and-dog,” 
one that is still played; but one that was closer to life at 
Master Breeton’s school. There were plenty of gall-berry 
thickets in which a deer could conceal himself, when the pack 
of dogs would be unleashed; and the hunters would urge 
them on till the deer was “jumped.” This was followed by 
the biggest kind of a race. If the deer was caught, the game 


EDUCATION IN THE PASTORAL ERA 


69 


was ended, after a little rough handling. It was over, too, 
if and when the deer was “shot.” The guns were hollow 
joints of elder, or sections of reeds. The bullets were various 
berries, such as dogwood, forced out of the gun by com¬ 
pressed air. 

Well, all this has been a long time ago. Gone, and about 
forgotten is Mr. Breeton; and gone, and in process of being 
forgotten, most of his scholars. 

Eleven years later, Hon. G. W. Newton, with us now, went 
to a school kept by Judge A. D. Patterson, over near Norman 
Park. Mr. Newton was about ten years old. A bench full 
of little country boys spied a nice green lizard “lifting and 
listening,” on a log of the schoolhouse, and got to laughing, 
which, teacher Patterson seeing, punished by making the boys 
stand in a row in the middle of the schoolroom—each stand¬ 
ing on one foot. All the boys grinned a little, except Billy, 
who cried. 

At that, and at everything else, G. W. N. relates that Pat¬ 
terson was a “good teacher,” and that the scholars increased 
their stock of learning considerably—learned more, he thinks, 
than the children do nowadays, when there is so much to 
divert their minds from their studies. Mr. Patterson’s school 
term was either two or three months, and it was one of the 
first free schools in the county. The first task in writing 
was to draw “free-handedly,” a straight line. Norman 
Junior College stands on the site of Master Patterson’s school, 
and there are three or four modern consolidated schools sur¬ 
rounding this spot. 


CHAPTER XIII 

Women in the Pastoral Era 


T"hom what has been said about the work of the pioneers in 
southwest Georgia, and especially in the Colquitt territory, 
conclusion will be arrived at without trouble that the struggle 
for the necessities of life drove very few of the men to the 
lunatic asylums, or the grave. In fact, the matter reads like 
the section was a lazy man’s paradise. There was always 
present the greatest abundance of wild game and fish. The 
patchy crops and gardens added to the milk and butter and 
the beef and mutton taken out of their herds, settled the 
business of sustenance for themselves and their families, leav¬ 
ing nothing for them to do except to keep up with their 
hunting and fishing. 

A little otherwise as to the housewives. There was plenty 
of work for them. Theirs was the task of bearing, nursing 
and feeding the children; and, in addition, they cooked the 
food for the entire family, including the hired help, if any. 
Finally, they made much of the clothing for the family with 
their own hands out of cloth which they wove with yarn 
which they spun. We are informed by Mrs. M. M. Marchant, 
who still survives the old days with her husband, that her 
mother, Mrs. John Nelson Phillips, the wife of a pioneer in 
northwest Colquitt, did all these things; and, in addition, 
manufactured a nice supply of table and bed linen. And 
this was the rule in the homes of that early period. 

Cooking was done in skillets and pots, set on log fires in 
the fireplaces, or in crannies in the jambs. Sometimes, the 
cooking vessels were placed on beds of coals on the hearths, 
and at other times, suspended over revolving cranes over the 
wood fires. A place on the hot hearth rock was frequently 



WOMEN IN THE PASTORAL ERA 


71 


swept free of ashes, and a dough made from corn meal, sea¬ 
soned with a little salt, was placed on it and cooked, being 
turned over once in the process. Very frequently, such 
“johnnycakes” were spread on hot metal plates and stood 
in front of the fire with the dough exposed to the fire as near 
at right angles as possible. Sweet potatoes were baked in 
convenient vessels over such fires and in numerous cases they 
were roasted in the hot ashes which would accumulate in 
the ash-pan under the fire, during the course of the day. 
Both these, and the “johnnycakes” made pretty good eating, 
when used in connection with homemade butter and either 
buttermilk or sweet milk. Not long ago, the grave of a 
woman who died at near eighty years of age was pointed out 
to us by an aged 1 citizen of Colquitt, who summed up her fit¬ 
ness to live by saying, “She, for fifty years that I knew her, 
cooked the best corn bread in the world.” 

Lucifer matches were expensive in those days, coming in 
thirties, incased in round wooden boxes, the length of the 
match, which, with the contents, cost ten cents. So very gen¬ 
erally, fire was “kept” in the fireplaces by covering up the 
burning chunks and faggot ends in ashes at bedtime. 

During the first fifty years after the Jackson cession, the 
use of gourds was general, as receptacles for water, lard, 
tallow, syrup, sugar, milk and other articles. Hence the ex¬ 
cellent note that sounds out of that era as a part of the ballads, 
exulting in “meat in the smokehouse, and sugar in the gourd.” 
Gourds were grown that would hold as much as two gallons, 
and which being broad-based, would stand firmly alone on 
the base in the middle of the flowering end, which was 
exactly opposite to the straight handle. This handle, attached 
to a considerable portion of the body of the gourd, was cut 
out and used as a covering for the vessel part of the gourd. 

Much smaller gourds, called “simlin gourds,” and holding 
about a pint, were used for pepper, salt and other spices, 


72 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


as well as for individual portions of coffee or milk at the 
eating table, their long straight handles having been removed. 
By leaving the handle, and cutting out a good opening at the 
side of one of these “simlins, ” a splendid substitute for a 
dipper was obtained. In fact, there are plenty of us “old- 
timers” who are firmly convinced that drinking water is more 
satisfying when ladled out of a cedar bucket with a “simlin 
than in any other way. And one of Georgia’s later governors, 
Hon. Joseph M. Brown, kept such a gourd for use in the 
reception room of the executive offices, during the whole of 
his administration. The truth would appear to be that the 
poet who immortalized the “Old Oaken Bucket” that in his 
childhood “hung in the well,” should have written at least 
a verse or two as a tribute to the “simlin dipper” that hung 
on a nail on the wall by the side of the cedar bucket. 

We have already said that the housewife was the original 
textile manufacturer in this section, and this is how. Cotton 
was carded on a pair of hand cards, flakes of the raw cotton 
being first placed between the two cards, and by pulling the 
two cards against each other, the cotton became evenly dis¬ 
tributed on the face of the bottom card. Then, by bringing 
the empty card over the face of the bottom card, the entire 
spread of cotton was rolled off deftly. A bundle of such 
“rolls” was then placed near a spinning wheel, which was 
manipulated by one hand, while the roll was drawn out by 
the other, the result being a thread, some five or six feet 
long, which was wound back on the spindle by the simple 
process of putting the drive wheel into reverse. Another roll 
would then be attached to the end of the length of yarn, and, 
in its turn, would be converted into yarn; and so on in¬ 
definitely. 

A part of such spun yarn would be stretched in looms, 
worked by the feet of the weaver, operating treadles, this yarn 
being called the “warp,” while a coarser yarn was carried at 


WOMEN IN THE PASTORAL ERA 


73 


right angles to the warp in shuttles, by hand, this coarser 
yarn being called the “woof” or “filling.” After about a 
generation from 1820, cotton factories were erected in the 
hill sections of Georgia and the Carolinas, and these turned 
out yarns for warp, of uniform sizes, which were sold at 
retail in the country stores of Colquitt County, and in fact, 
all over the State. This yarn came in “bunches” of four 
pounds each, and cost the housewife a dollar. In the mean¬ 
time, the “filling” continued to be largely carded out and 
spun at home. All the above, of course, applies to cotton 
cloth. The housewife also made woolen “jeans” and linseys, 
cloths in which woolen yarn was woven into cotton warp. No 
hand cards could change the raw wool into rolls; and so 
“wool-carders” were erected at various points in the rural 
South, which were driven by water power; and the rolls so 
produced were carried to the farm houses, and spun into 
filling like the cotton rolls, to be used in making winter cloth¬ 
ing. At least two sets of wool cards were operated in Col¬ 
quitt County—one before the Civil War, near the old “Brick 
Church,” eight miles southwest of Moultrie; and the other on 
the Ochlochnee River, three or four miles above Moultrie, at 
a point where is now located the swimming pool and pleasure 
resort of the Swift and Company Moultrie plant. Others 
there were in Berrien, Cook and Worth counties; but the two 
mentioned as being in Colquitt County constituted the be¬ 
ginning of the textile industry in this section. Also, at the 
“Brick Church,” there was erected before the Civil War, by 
Joel Graves, a factory for making buckets and tubs from 
sycamore boards. “The bucket shop,’ it was called locally. 
While on the subject of cloth making, it ought to be said 
that for the most part, colors in the household in the early 
days were derived from certain weeds and shrubs, such as 
sumac. A nice brown for jeans was obtained from a dye de¬ 
rived from black walnut hulls. The average mother of those 
days carefully trained her girls in the domestic arts, doing 


74 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


this, in most cases, so that she could avail herself of her 
daughter’s assistance in raising the younger children. 

And, by the way, it is in such domestic duties and scenes 
that romance flourishes. Guided by an instinctive notion that 
this is true, the girl of that period did not hesitate to exhibit 
to her young man friend the products of her skillful hands, 
including a brave display of quilts and counterpanes, along 
with entire meals of victuals prepared by her exclusively. 
And it is here asserted with entire confidence that a pretty 
girl never appears to better advantage to men than when she 
is engaged in the discharge of such domestic duties. Maud 
Muller, as every one knows, came near landing her “judge” 
as it was; and to us it seems a certainty that she would have 
gotten him for life, had he chanced on her in the kitchen, 
with her sleeves rolled up, and flour on her elbows. 


CHAPTER XIV 


A Friendly Custom 


For some sixty years after the opening of the Jackson ces¬ 
sion to white settlement, and the organization of this territory 
into counties and militia districts, there were contests or fights 
between individuals at the Justice Courts and other gather¬ 
ings; and naturally this resulted in the evolution of “cham¬ 
pion fighters,” for such subdivisions. Just “fist and skull” 
fights, with no holds barred. The truth is that, as Judge Long- 
street has told us in his “Georgia Scenes,” this custom was 
state-wide. 

In a few years after the close of the Civil War, John Sloan, 
who lived on the present site of the Country Club, in south¬ 
west Moultrie, was considered Colquitt County’s champion 
fisticuffer; and as such, had been invested with “The Belt.” 
Finally, there moved to east Colquitt, from some point in 
Alabama, a man named Ab Nolan, who had been something 
of a fighter, where he came from. One Saturday, Nolan had 
come to Moultrie and bought some groceries. Additionally, 
it is just possible that he was slightly “lit up.” He was about 
to go home, when someone called his attention to Sloan, and 
his record as a fighter. Ab decided on immediate action; 
and so he drove over to Sloan’s house, called him out and 
told him that he had heard that he had “The Belt,” and that 
he wanted to contest for it, then and there. Sloan instantly 
agreed; and they pulled off their coats, and went at it. Soon, 
Nolan had Sloan down, and was romping on him in great 
shape, when Mrs. Sloan came out of the house. Now, Mrs. 
Sloan’s policy had always been never to suffer her man to be 
abused by anyone except herself; so she ran in the house, 
got the shotgun, and was in the act of drawing a bead on her 



76 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


husband’s tormentor, when Nolan, seeing her, got up and 
ran off, leaving, not only “The Belt,” but also his next week’s 
groceries, and his coat. 

Away back before the Civil War, when Uncle Dick Norman 
was sparking his pretty neighbor, Miss Fariba Tillman, he 
attended a dancing party one night, where his Dulcinea was 
in attendance. 

Also, a champion fighter of the Tallokas District, in Brooks 
County, was there, with his second; and being one of the 
young folks present, he was in no time turning the corners 
with “Firby,” which Uncle Dick coming in, saw, with a dis¬ 
tinct sense of dissatisfaction; and so, when the set was danced 
out, he approached his rival, and asked him to step out doors 
with him for a minute. When they were on the outside. Uncle 
Dick explained, “I want you to fight me—you have danced 
with ‘Firby,’ and she is my girl.” 

“Alright,” said the man, “I didn’t know she was yours; 
but come on a little piece down the road. This is my second. 
Have you a second?” 

Uncle Dick called his brother Joel; and so down the road 
they went, as friendly as anyone ever saw. When they got 
a proper distance, the man stopped, drew out a bottle, and 
said, “Gentlemen, suppose we take a little drink before the 
fight.” 

This little amenity having been properly attended to, the 
Tallokas man said to the seconds, “Now, gentlemen, it is un¬ 
derstood that no holds are barred, and no weapons except 
fists and hands are to be used. If one of us should get the 
other one down, the top man is not to be pulled off, till the 
bottom man hollers. Is this agreed to by everybody?” 

About this time. Uncle Dick, who had some considerable 
local reputation as a fighter, but who at that particular time 


A FRIENDLY CUSTOM 


77 


was getting more and more disposed to take a less war-like 
view of things in general, said, “Hold on there a minute. 
It’s awful to think about a fellow being under there, when 
he might not be able to holler, and nobody know it; and so 
I think we had better take another little drink apiece, and 
drap this matter, and go back to the house.” 

Which was done without protest; they went back, and Uncle 
Dick danced the next set with “Firby”; and spent more than 
fifty years afterwards in her agreeable society. 

The fights we have spoken of hereinbefore were in a way 
local social institutions. Differing from them slightly are the 
following: 

Another famous fighter in Colquitt was Henry Gregory, 
who lived up towards Worth County, and who, so to speak, 
was born fighting. He was talked of as a fighter when we 
first came to Colquitt, although he had gone from Colquitt 
never to return. John M. Norman, oldest son of Uncle Joe 
Norman, used to regale us with the story of how “Griggory” 
went to Albany once, back in the eighties, and ran berserker. 
The first policeman that tackled him went down, which an¬ 
other seeing, ran up, and went down in his turn beneath 
“Griggory’s” terrible fist; and it was not long before he had 
half of the force hors du combat. However, one man can’t 
be expected to fight an entire police force—at least not out 
of the books—and so they finally reduced him, and put him 
in the calaboose. 

Next morning he came before the recorder in due form, 
and John M. and some other Colquitt County friends were 
there to watch for an opening to help. John M. said the 
policemen, every one of them, seemed to have the warmest 
admiration for the fallen Samson from Colquitt. They spoke 
up and told the judge that he ‘Tout fair” with his two fists 
alone, and that it was a fine fight.” The judge gave him 


78 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


thirty days or $75. John said that “Griggory” was confused, 
and looked at the judge helplessly, and asked him if there 
wasn’t a fine connected with the sentence; and how much, and 
that he seemed much relieved when the judge said, benevo¬ 
lently, “Yes—seventy-five.” 

Gregory lived about four miles from J. J. Norman, the 
father of John M. and Spencer Norman. Spencer told us 
that one night Gregory was at a dance at the residence of 
James Frazier, not far from the J. J. Norman residence; and 
that three good-sized men plotted together, while they were 
out in the yard, to beat him up; and that they sent a man into 
the dance room, who approached Gregory, and told him that 
the three men, naming them, wanted to see him in the yard. 
Gregory understood the meaning of the request perfectly; 
but he instantly said, “Alright—I’ll come right now.” Which 
he did, and the three commenced on him at once. So Henry 
squared himself and commenced knocking them down; and 
when they would get up, he followed the excellent procedure 
of knocking them down again; and when he had finally 
grounded two of them to stay, the third one ran up behind 
him and cut Henry several times in the back before he was 
knocked down. So Mrs. Frazier got him in the kitchen and 
washed the blood off him and then he walked home, which 
must have been four miles. 

“The next day,” says Spencer, “he came over to our house, 
and was telling Pa about it: ‘You know, Mr. Norman,’ he 
said, ‘that was the worst fight I have ever had in my life. 
You see, three is really too many to fight at one time. When 
you are at work on one in front of you, another will slip up 
at your side, and maybe the third one will be doing something 
to your back. And so a man is kept busy a-whirlin’ around.’ ” 

Another man of tremendous strength in the nineties was 
Bob Register. His mother was Nancy Tucker, who was the 


A FRIENDLY CUSTOM 


79 


daughter of George Tucker, and the granddaughter of Elder 
Crawford Tucker. 

Jim Monk once regaled Mayo Kendall, Jack Strickland and 
this writer with an account of Bob Register’s prowess: 

“It was at a dance one night, at old man Bill Key’s, and 
I was standing by Bitha Key, waiting for the music to com¬ 
mence, so as to dance the next set with her. Just then, Bob 
Register come in at the door. He was engaged to Bitha; and 
so when he saw us, he made for me. I backed off a little, 
and got ready for him; and in the meantime, the other boys 
commenced running in between us. Bob commenced knock¬ 
ing ’em down. He used both fists, and so made two piles 
of ’em. Finally, Bitha’s Pa ran in, and Bob fetched him an 
uppercut, which sent him through the open door, going out 
at the top of the door.” Just here, Jack Strickland took up 
the story, saying: 

“Yes, I was out there in the yard with a crowd that was 
around a fire which had been built out there; and when old 
Bill dropped down out of the elements, it liked to a-scared us 
all to death; and old man Bryant, who was crippled in one 
leg, saw him drap down into the fire, he run around the end 
of the house into the clay-hole that they had made when they 
were digging up clay to daub a stick-and-dirt chimney. It 
hadn’t been there long, and was full of water, and we had to 
pull him out, or he would uv drownded, maybe.” 

After this had had time to soak in, Jack said, reminiscently, 
“Bob Register was an awful man; and I have wished that he 
could have lived later, and got into the boxing business. I 
saw Sam Gay drive up to Pa’s once, in a buggy, and Bob was 
in the yard. They seemed to have been at outs with each 
other just then, and so just as soon as Sam got out of the 


BO 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


buggy, he went for Bob, and they went at it. I really never 
saw such fighting in all my life; it was like mules a-kickin’. 
Sam was much of a man himself, in them days; and so he 
kept goin’ up inter Bob’s face for it; and finally he got it, 
and went down. But it was pretty while it lasted. I doubt 
if any of the younger generation will ever see anything like 
it. They have quit makin’ ’em like Bob and Sam, long ago.” 


CHAPTER XV 


Early Occupations 


From 1820 to 1890, the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs 
was the principal industry in the Colquitt territory. As a 
preliminary to success in this industry, it was necessary at 
first to exterminate the wolves with which this, as well as all 
other sections of the country, was infested. These wild dogs 
ran, hunted and fed in packs; pulling down even grown sheep, 
together with calves and pigs. The difference in wolves and 
ordinary dogs was found in their gregarious habits, and in 
the fact that the eyes of dogs are round, while the eyes of 
the wolf are elongated ovals. The first problem of the pioneer 
has always been to get rid of the wolves. For the most part, 
this was accomplished by constructing “wolf-pens,” or “wolf- 
pits.” And here is how: A big pit was dug, some ten feet 
in diameter, and some six feet deep. It was then covered 
by a camouflage of a light nature, above which, in the middle, 
arose a firmly planted stake, to which, at its top, was fastened 
firmly a good size chunk of raw meat. The wolves would 
lunge at the meat; and, of course, would fall into the pit, and 
be killed by the owner. Probably, not a county in the United 
States that did not, at its first settling have some of the pits. 
Colquitt had three or four, at least. Vagrant packs of wolves, 
however, made visits to Colquitt as late as the early eighties. 
About that time, strychnine was put out, along the Warrior 
Creek; and the wolves came no more. 

The early settler in Colquitt was surrounded by nearly 900 
square miles of wire grass and wild oats land. Practically 
none of this extensive area was under fence; but was what 
was called “commons,” over which the cattle, hogs, and 
sheep “used” at will. Ownership was determined by marks 



82 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


and brands. The “marks” were notchings and croppings 
made in the ears of the animals; while the “brands” con¬ 
sisted of symbols or initials seared into the hides by impres¬ 
sions of red-hot irons. Each owner was required by law to 
register with the ordinary his individual mark or brand. 
And in this way these animals roamed the wilds. A little 
salt was put out for them by their owners, in the neighbor¬ 
hood of their homes. 

As the young were dropped, in the spring, it was the custom 
for several adjacent live stock owners to take a few days off 
and drive all the animals within a given area together, and 
separate the mothers from the others. Then, the new calves 
would be turned loose, one at a time; and, as each calf would 
run unerringly to its mother, it would be seized, and put in 
its mother’s mark. 

Sheep were herded together in exactly the same way as 
the cattle, and the ownership of the lambs determined in the 
manner of the calves. At the same time the adult sheep would 
all be thrown down on the ground and their wool clipped off 
by experienced “shearers.” Shearers were numerous who 
could take a pair of shears and clip off the entire covering 
of wool with one hand, while the animal was kept in posi¬ 
tion by the other hand. And so a lot of the older residents 
of Colquitt County understood fully what was meant when 
the newspapers advertised the fact that the father of the 
Dionne quintuplets is a professional “sheep shearer.” 

These Colquitt County herds of cattle went right along 
with very little feed. Mr. Wesley Weeks, a grandson of a 
pioneer of Colquitt, told us, the other day, that the rule as 
to feeding cattle was to approach one with a basket of corn 
shucks, and threaten it with a single shuck. If, in springing 
off, the cow fell, she was to have as feed the basket of shucks. 
If she did not fall, she got no feed at all. Seriously, if the 
winter was unusually hard, it was necessary to feed some, 


EARLY OCCUPATIONS 


83 


and it was done. Otherwise practically no feed was given. 
Of course, the cattle got rather thin, sometimes; but as long 
as they did not get “on the lift,” they were allowed to make 
it over till the coming of a new crop of grass. 

The upkeep of sheep cost just exactly nothing, in the old 
pioneer days, as sheep were not fed at all. This was due to 
the fact that a sheep could get along with what he could get 
on the commons. There were more things on the menu of a 
sheep which were accessible on the commons; and, too, sheep 
were not called on to eat for the purpose of keeping them¬ 
selves warm. 

The weight of the fleece of an ordinary sheep would run 
from two to three pounds; and the price for the entire fleece 
would average one dollar. This means that the owner of a 
thousand sheep had an assured income of one thousand dol¬ 
lars per annum. Practically every head of a family had 
some sheep; and we know of numerous flocks that ran from 
two hundred to one thousand. James T. Norman (“Sonny”) 
was the owner of the rise of two thousand. As there was no 
danger of the wool crop deteriorating, this was a good busi¬ 
ness, and it brought in nice money. 

Of course, too, there was nice money in cattle. Annually, 
there was a considerable percentage of the herd that was cut 
out for sale as beef cattle. These were herded together and 
driven to Columbus, or some other river or gulf port to be 
there sold to local dealers, and by them shipped alive to the 
West Indies. Hides were also things that found ready sale, 
as they have since the days of Abraham. 

Of course, the average herd furnished plenty of milk and 
butter, during the spring and summer season; and, in the 
winter, some of the best milkers were kept up, and fed, in 
order to guarantee a supply of milk. Sometimes, the busy 
housewife” made cheese and sent it to market, along with 


84 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


other commodities; but cheese and butter making was never 
anything except “the women’s business,” which at times 
brought in a little pin money. 

Some of the pioneers butchered for home use as many as 
three to five beeves a week. It is to be understood in this con¬ 
nection that the range cows did not grow to be as big as those 
now butchered by the big packing houses, and which are fed 
on the farms of the northwest. 


CHAPTER XVI 


A Notable Wedding 


The courthouse of Colquitt County was destroyed by fire 
in 1881, with practically all the records kept therein. How¬ 
ever, in a small black book in the present ordinary’s office 
may be found a record showing that on the 14th day of Oc¬ 
tober, 1873, Henry Gay, ordinary of Colquitt County, issued 
a marriage license to James T. Norman and Susan Jane 
Tucker. This license was returned into that office with a 
showing at the bottom that the ceremony was performed on 
the 23rd day of October, 1873. 

Susan Jane Tucker was the oldest child of John Tucker, 
oldest son of Elder Crawford Tucker, already referred to in 
this book, and his wife Susan A. Stevenson. This same Susan 
A. S. Tucker was one of the notable women of Colquitt 
County, as demonstrated by the character of children that she 
turned into the body of the citizenship, numbering ten. We 
shall meet her further on in this book. 

The father of the bride was a conspicuous leader in Col¬ 
quitt, in 1873. He was the son of Elder Crawford Tucker, 
Colquitt County pioneer and patriarch. He was the owner 
of forty-three lots of Colquitt County land, each containing 
490 acres, more or less; and his holdings of live stock were 
of greater value than his lands. He served as Colquitt’s 
representative in the General Assembly of Georgia, at the ses¬ 
sions of 1873-4. He was accordingly the most important man 
in Colquitt County; and he was “feeling his oats.” 

James T. Norman, the bridegroom, known by his intimates 
as “Sonny,” was the oldest son of Jeremiah Bryant Norman, 
who was one of the seven sons of James Mitchell Norman and 
Ruth Tillman Norman, who came to Colquitt County about 



86 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


the same time that Elder Tucker arrived. J. B. Norman, Sr., 
was himself the owner of much land and live stock; was 
politically inclined, and was going to represent Colquitt in 
the House of Representatives of Georgia more than once be¬ 
fore his death. 

For all these reasons, John Tucker decided to give Susan 
Jane a wedding that would set up an all-time record in Col¬ 
quitt. 

There were no such things as engraved invitations, inno¬ 
cent of initials, and spelling out each name in full; but 
messengers on horseback carried a most cordial invitation 
by word of mouth to every family in Colquitt to come to 
Susan Jane’s wedding. 

And, according to all accounts, they responded to the in¬ 
vitation, from Little River to the Mitchell County line, and 
from the Worth boundary straight south to Thomas. They 
came in families, the busy housewife bringing along her 
“numerous brood,” and grandma with her snuff. Twelve 
hundred guests, according to the stories related to us in the 
present year, by Messrs. J. A. Owens, Dan J. Strickland, 
Henry Monk and Linton Hancock, all of whom are now 
octogenarians, and all of whom were guests. 

And from these “Merrie gentlemen” comes a fairly unani¬ 
mous account of whole carcasses, selected from the flocks 
and herds of John Tucker, barbecued to a turn, and served 
with all the “trimmin’s.” And every one of them, when the 
subject is mentioned, will immediately speak of coffee cook¬ 
ing in the yard in a 90-gallon syrup kettle, and chicken 
pilau a-simmering away in another kettle of the same ca¬ 
pacity. 

The opening rite of weddings, in those old days, was the 
“charge,” a term applied to a procession of horseback riders 
made up of the unmarried men friends of the contracting 


A NOTABLE WEDDING 


87 


parties. This procession rode two abreast, and was headed 
by the bridegroom, who was flanked on his right by his 
mounted “waiter,” and on the left, by his “torchbearer.” 
Such procession was accustomed to gallop about sundown in 
middle gear, down the road, straight by the home of the bride, 
and after getting a mile or so beyond it, they would stop, 
turn the procession around, and return to her home, in a 
walk, reaching which, they would stop, and friendly hands 
connected with the bride’s establishment, would take charge 
of the mounts of the groom and his attendants, and tie them 
up, while all the other members of the procession would per¬ 
form that office for themselves. In the meantime, the groom 
and his flankers, as their mounts were taken away, would go 
immediately into the yard, and pass through the front door 
into the “front room,” where they would find the bride sitting, 
and sitting by her her own “waiter” and “torchbearer.” 
There would be plenty of merry talking, of course. The 
groom and his attendants taking seats by the bride and hers, 
while torches were being lighted for the “torchbearers.” The 
bride and the groom would then go out into the yard; the 
waiters would come next, and last would come the “torch- 
bearers.” Since there, were no electric lights in those days, 
and since marriages were usually performed at “early candle¬ 
light,” and since every one present on the whole premises 
wanted to see the ceremony, and “how the bride looked” on 
such occasions, the “torchbearers” were a necessary adjunct. 
We can find several surviving guests, including the ones al¬ 
ready listed, who will say that “Sonny’s charge had at least 
seventy-five young couples in it, and both horses and riders 
made a very brave show indeed.” 

After the wedding ceremony, the immense feast, prepared 
for this wedding by the Tuckers was served to the hundreds of 
guests, the hospitable suggestion made by the host being, Eat 
till you bust.” 


88 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


As has been said, the ordinary lighting by tallow candles 
was quite insufficient for such great gatherings; and so a 
scaffold was generally erected in front of the house, and on 
it was spread a good covering of dirt, upon which a big pile 
of fat “lightwood” was kept blazing, this furnishing abundant 
light for the dance by the young folks, which invariably fol¬ 
lowed the close of the wedding rites. And the aforenamed 
surviving guests assure us that, in relays, the young folks 
fiddled and danced at Susan Jane’s wedding all night long, 
and 

“When music arose, with its voluptuous swell, 

Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again, 

And all went merry as a marriage bell.” 

This is written in August, 1936, and so it will soon have 
been sixty-three years since “Sonny” and Susan Jane got 
married. Some of our readers will want to know how their 
marriage turned out. And so, it is a pleasure to say that, by 
the united testimony of a whole country-side, this couple were 
ideally happy, every moment of their married life, till 
“Sonny’s” death in 1896, leaving Susan Jane to carry on 
alone in the rearing of their eleven children. How well she 
succeeded will be shown in a separate chapter herein, en¬ 
titled “Noted Colquitt County Women,” and for the present, 
we close the account of the pastoral romance of “Sonny” and 
Susan Jane by expressing the hope that our unmarried readers 
may find as much happiness in their marriages as the hero 
and heroine of this story did in theirs. 


CHAPTER XVII 


Colquitt Courts 


When Colquitt County was created, in 1856, several Jus¬ 
tice Courts had been functioning in that area, as follows: Dis¬ 
tricts Numbers 1151, 799 and 1020, all of which had been 
established while the area of Colquitt was still parts of 
Lowndes and Thomas counties. In these courts the Justices 
of the Peace issued criminal warrants, and held preliminary 
investigations based on such warrants. They also had juris¬ 
diction to try civil claims not in excess of one hundred dol¬ 
lars. Too, they drew deeds, mortgages and other legal docu¬ 
ments from such forms as were accessible. Also, they per¬ 
formed marriage rites; and, what was not the least of their 
doings, they gave free advice in many a local trouble among 
the citizenry. In appeals from their own verdicts they pre¬ 
sided over juries of five; but were without authority to charge 
a jury. 

On account of a fire that destroyed Colquitt County’s court¬ 
house with all records deposited therein, in 1881, little is 
known of the early Justice Courts. However, Spencer Nor¬ 
man, a grandson of James Mitchell Norman, pioneer settler 
in the Colquitt territory, has in his possession a small docket 
of the Justice Court for the 1151st District Justice Court, of 
Thomas County, which was presided over by him, the same 
showing some of the business of said court as far back as 
1846. The oldest entry of this kind is that of a panel of 
“juroys,” drawn by Judge Norman for the December, 1849, 
“tirm,” of said court. A cut of this portion of the minutes 
is inserted here: 



90 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



..J h /iTjrTCem, — / 

' \? /Pr-'C) u% 

f) 

1 f&'f./'.J? 


2 . t 


'yfr ; 1 

///VO/'- >»V, 

/ j l > L* /l / 








/ 


^ ZZ LtSfO. *-v 

$ § 

J C- //f r &\ C- fcCyj.i _. 

j v. ,^«4 ^ y-“M 

’ >1 /J,,...yi 0'»C«* W /- 

> //V Jit l'C~ COt V^\y 

( Kh 

| y y/s \p r f^/r^oc^' r 


This, beyond doubt, is the oldest existing court record of 
Colquitt County. We also insert, along with it a record of 
the “juroys” drawn from Box No. 2, on February 9, 1850. 
This is done for the purpose of showing the copperplate 
nature of the handwriting, as well as the excellence of the 
ink in use by Judge Norman, as it appears after 86 years. 

The first “sute” recorded in this docket is that of J. W. 
Jenkins versus Hardy Carlton, who fails to make any ap¬ 
pearance, and so default judgment is taken against him, on 
April 26, 1862. At the same “tirm,” Stewart S. May takes 
a legal shot at Geo. F. Herndon. Also, at this term, “Absolum 
Baker,” a local capitalist, proceeds against David B. Bland, 
on a promissory note for $14.50, for which a judgment is 
taken by “default,” “with interest and cost of sute,” on Jan¬ 
uary 23, 1863. At the March Term, 1863, Robert Bearden 
sues James Brown for $28.95, on a promissory note; and 








COLQUITT COURTS 


91 


takes judgment by default at that term. Judge Norman died 
in 1864, and thus ended his judicial labors. 

One of the extra judicial entries in this little book is a 
statement of a little account due by the judge himself to 
“Turner,” as follows: 


“to one Basin ......$0.75; 

2 sets spones ....75; 

1 cork scrue ..........50; 

tobacco ... 1.50; 

linnin ...... .75.” 


In the months of September and October, of a year that is 
not recorded, Judge Norman gets up some hands, and takes 
a drove of beef steers, numbering thirty-one, on a long trek, 
as far north as Culloden and Zebulon, for the purpose of sell¬ 
ing them along the way. The little docket contains an item¬ 
ized statement of expenditures in the way of food and feed, 
which foots up as follows: “Travelling expence for hands, 
$24.50’*; and “provision expence, $15.36.” In “Pinder- 
town,” he spent 38c for “spirits”; and at “hockinvile,” he 
spent 15c for the same commodity. He seems to have sold 
all his herd, at an average of about $10.00 each. An enter¬ 
prising kind of a man. for his day, this same James Mitchell 
Norman; and this quality has been much in evidence in many 
of his descendants. The court over which he presided— 
namely, the Justice Court 
in and for the 1151st Dis¬ 
trict, G. M., for originally 
Thomas, and for the past 
eighty years Colquitt 
County, Georgia, still func¬ 
tions regularly, Judge John 
T. Coyle, presiding. 



^ . * Site where first eight terms of Colquitt 

The Browning Act, ere- Superior Court were held. 

ating the county of Colquitt 

placed it in the Southern Judicial Circuit; and, by arrange- 







92 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


ment of the judges of the Inferior Court, the first term of this 
court was held at what was known at that time as the “Mims 
House,” which was situated on the west side of the old Moul¬ 
trie and Albany public dirt road, at a point about four miles 

north of Moultrie, on lot of land No.in the 8th 

Land District of originally Irwin, then Thomas, and now 
Colquitt County. This building was originally constructed 
by George Tucker as a residence; and contemporaries still 
speak of it as the biggest “Double-Pen” log house ever seen 
by them. This type of “Colonial Architecture” is fully de¬ 
scribed in another chapter of this history; and for our present 
purposes it is sufficient to say that the two rooms were each 
some twenty-four feet square, and separated by an “entry” 
whose roof was a part of the roofing system of the two rooms, 
and whose floor was on an exact level with the flooring of the 
two rooms. The entry of this house was something like 
twelve feet in one of its dimensions; and, of course the other 
dimension was the same as the length of the sides of two 
rooms. There was therefore ample room for conducting an 
ordinary term of court. 

We think that there is not in life, at the present time, a 
single participant of the first session of this court, which was 
held on first Monday in April, 1856. Mr. J. J. Giles, who 
at that time lived a matter of two miles to the north of the 
“Mims House,” was a youth of fourteen years, or the rise; 
but, it is doubtful if he went to this term of the court. Hon. 
N. M. Marchant, now of active mind in the northwest part of 
the county, knows that his father-in-law, Hon. John Nelson 
Phillips, who had moved to Colquitt before it was a county, 
and who has been buried at Cool Springs graveyard, served 
at this first term of the Superior Court of Colquitt County 
as a grand juror. Since Colquitt’s courthouse with its con¬ 
tents was destroyed by fire in 1881, much interesting his¬ 
torical records were destroyed. We know from records in 
the archives of Georgia preserved in Atlanta, that Judge 



COLQUITT COURTS 


93 


Peter E. Love, judge of the Superior Court of the Southern 
Circuit, presided at this term, and at the five next succeed¬ 
ing terms, till his resignation, in 1859; and that Honorable 
Edward Sheftall, solicitor-general of the Southern Circuit, per¬ 
formed the duties of solicitor-general, during the same terms. 



Court House from 1881 to 1903 


The above-mentioned Mr. Jacob J. Giles, who is still living 
with us, as he approaches his ninety-fourth year, made a 
joint contract with Mr. John Bryan to clear the present court¬ 
house square of stumps and litter of various kinds, prepara¬ 
tory to building a permanent courthouse. Messrs. Bryan and 
Giles were hired by the judges of the Inferior Court to do 
this work, in the year 1859; and so they went out and cleared 
off the site, taking out the stumpage of the original long-leaf 
yellow pines, and burning them. The new courthouse was 
completed, after the resignation of Judge Love, and so 
Augustin H. Hansell, a young lawyer of Thomasville, Ga., 
who had succeeded him in the judgeship of the Southern Cir¬ 
cuit, held the first term of the Superior Court in the new court- 




94 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



house, in the fall of 1860. Hon. Erastus A. Smith, solicitor- 
general of the Southern Circuit, performed the duties of 
solicitor-general, at this term. 

The “Mims House,” used for a place for holding the first 
terms of Colquitt Superior Court was bought, soon after it 
ceased to be used for that purpose, by James Frazier, who 
used it as a residence, while he operated the farm on which 
George Tucker had originally built it. Frazier and his wife 
raised their children on this place. All traces of the original 
log double-pen are gone—no one knows how. However, con¬ 
sidering the size of the logs, it is altogether likely that it was 
destroyed by fire. We present at the close of this chapter a 
cut of the building now standing on the site of the “Mims 
House.” 

The tree is an ancient magnolia planted by Mrs. George 
Tucker in her yard, nearly a hundred years ago. The photo¬ 
graph was taken in the blossoming season of 1936. The 
white patches in the foliage are made by the blooms. 

||| 


Court House from 1903 until now 






CHAPTER XVIII 


Colquitt’s Early Bench and Bar 


The following is a list of the judges of the Superior Courts 
of the Southern Circuit in which Colquitt County was placed 
by the creating Act of 1856, and in which she has remained 
uninterruptedly until the present: 


Peter E. Love. ...1856-1859 res. 

Augustin H. Hansell...1859-1868 

John R. Alexander...1868-1873 

Augustin H. Hansell. .1873-1903 

Robert G. Mitchell...1903-1910 res. 

Joseph Hansell Merrill...1910-1911 

William E. Thomas.1911- 


The following is a list of the solicitors-general of the 
Southern Circuit, from February 25, 1856, when Colquitt 
County was created, and placed in the Southern Circuit, to 
the present: 


Edward T. Sheftall. 
Erastus A. Smith. .. 
Samuel B. Spencer.. 
William B. Bennet.. 
Robert G. Mitchell. 

D. L. Gaulden.. 

Daniel W. Rountree 

John R. Slater. 

Henry B. Peeples .... 

J. L. Hall. 

William E. Thomas 

John A. Wilkes. 

Fondren Mitchell .... 
Clifford E. Hay.. 


.1856-1859 res. 
.1859 
1859-1867 
.1867-1873 
.1873-1884 res. 
1884-1885 
.1885-1890 res. 
.1890-1892 died 
.1892-1896 res. 

1896- 1897 

1897- 1911 
1911-1917 
.1917-1918 died 
1918-1929 
























96 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


G. Clarence Spurlin .1929-1934 died 

George R. Lilly.......1934- 

Colquitt County had only one resident lawyer prior to 
1893; and the business of her Superior Courts was transacted 
by the judges and solicitors-general, assisted by attorneys 
from surrounding counties. These attorneys rode the South¬ 
ern Circuit with the presiding judge and the solicitor-general, 
or such counties in it as furnished them business. For a long 
time, each county had two terms per year, arranged accord¬ 
ing to convenience and the necessities of the case. 

There was not much business in Colquitt, anyhow, the popu¬ 
lation being sparse, and living so far apart that they did not 
irk each other in their contacts. When families lived any¬ 
where from two miles to fifteen miles apart, there was not 
likely to arise trouble about gardens, chickens and children. 
Then, too, the necessities of life were too plentiful and too 
easily obtained for the citizens to give over much attention 
to property rights. 

Some lawyers, however, did come to Colquitt’s courts. 
Here is a partial list of them: The MacIntyres, father and 
son; R. G. Mitchell, and W. M. Hammond, all from Thomas- 
ville; Henry B. Peeples, and J. N. Talley, both from Nash¬ 
ville; W. B. Bennet, Dan Rountree and W. S. Humphreys, 
from Quitman; and I. A. Bush and C. 0. Davis, from Camilla. 
All these came during the eighties, we know. All got some 
fees, of course; and all enjoyed practicing under such a judge 
as Augustin H. Hansell, and coming in contact with each other 
and with the Colquitt yeomanry. J. N. Talley, in his engag¬ 
ing classic “The Southern Circuit,” has described with a 
poet’s affectionate eye, the after-supper gatherings of these 
choice spirits, in front of Bob Bearden’s Inn, which stood 
exactly where the Moultrie Banking Company’s building now 
stands, at the northeast corner of Main Street and 1st Avenue, 
N. E. Among other things, Mr. Talley tells us how Judge 




COLQUITT’S EARLY BENCH AND BAR 


97 


Henry Peeples, who had been a member of the Georgia House 
of Representatives, along with William H. Felton, of Bartow, 
and Simmons of Sumter, when these two had their celebrated 
clash over Felton’s bill to take away juvenile criminals from 
the convict lessees—a clash which culminated in Dr. Felton’s 
terrible castigation of Simmons, would, so long as he attended 
Colquitt Superior Courts, be called on at least once each 
term, to “take off” for the delectation of his associates, the 
doctor’s devastating philippic. These meetings all happened 
before our time at Moultrie; but we were the guest of Judge 
Peeples at Nashville for a few hours in 1900; and he gave us 
“old Felton’s speech against Simmons”; and he never had a 
more interested auditor; since, when we were only nine 
years old, we heard the doctor “work on” Judge George 
N. Lester, his antagonist in a fight over a seat in Congress 
from the 7th District of Georgia. 

C. 0. Davis, sui-generis, and altogether lovable, was the 
darling of the lawyers who attended these meetings; and was 
invariably called on to give an account of his “cause celebre,” 
“The Cripple Niggers versus The Circus.” John M. Norman, 
son of a pioneer, and grandson of two or three more, who had 
a nose for the humorous, and who made it a habit to sit in 
with the lawyers at their “after-suppers,” at Bearden’s, shall 
tell it for us and for posterity, as C. 0. rendered it: 

“Well, gentlemen, this here circus had showed at Thomasville, 
and left there on the rail-road for Albany and points North. They 
covered a flat-car with niggers, and hitched it to the rear of their 
train of cars. Over about Pelham, they took a curve too fast, and 
spilled niggers for a hundred and fifty or two hundred yards, and 
proceeded possibly without knowing of the accident. These hurt 
niggers comes up to my office next day, or sends word. I took their 
names and description of their injuries, and tore off after the show, 
over-taking it at Americus. I went to DuPont Guerry’s office, a 
young lawyer there, and we fixed up a fist full of attachments, and 
I went on out to the show-ground and gave them to the Sheriff, and 
be levied on six Percheron hosses, three leopards, two tigers, and a 


98 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


geraffe. He just about had half of the animals levied on, when the 
show-man hunted me up, and asked me if I was ready to talk tur¬ 
key. I told him I might, if he talked right; and in no time, I had 
settled all these claims with him for a total sum of three thousand 
dollars. I took the money to Guerry’s office, showed it to him, and 
asked him how much he wanted. He says ‘Oh, I don’t know, C. 0. 
—would five hundred dollars be too much?’ 

“I says, ‘That’s all right, DuPont. Here it is: count it.’ 

“Well, I took the balance and went back home, got the list of my 
clients, and sent for ’em. Next morning they were there bright and 
early, and I began to sort ’em around, according to how bad they 
was hurt. One nigger with an ear gone, I took as a startin’ off basis, 
and put him down for twenty-five dollars, and then I commenced 
scalin’ ’em up from that, but it was not long before I was out of 
money, and a whole gang of niggers not paid anything. Of course, 
you understand, I wasn’t actually payin’ out anything, but just 
sorta figgerin’ out the situation, so’s I’d know how to settle. When 
I saw I was goin’ to run out of money, I says to myself, ‘Pshaw! 
There just aint no nigger’s ear worth $25.00’; so I reduced it to 
$20.00 and started again, with the same result. Well, gentlemen, 
no honest lawyer ever tried any harder to do the right thing than 1 
did in working with this money, but I found that I could never do 
right between these people, and so I finally decided that I’d just 
keep it all myself.” 

At this point, Captain Hammond would slap the knee of 
the lawyer sitting most convenient to him, and say, “Gentle¬ 
men, that last part of his story is the exact truth!” 

On the criminal docket of the Superior Court of Colquitt 
at the September Term, 1890, John A. Wilkes, a young 
lawyer who had just come to Moultrie from Nashville and 
got his first case: A citizen of Colquitt carried a friend 
around behind the courthouse, for the purpose of giving him 
a drink. He stopped directly under one of the windows of 
the grand jury room, squatted on the ground over his satchel 
to get out his bottle, and in so doing, brought into view a 
pistol, concealed in the satchel. At least, it was brought 
into view of two or three members of the grand jury, who 


COLQUITT’S EARLY BENCH AND BAR 


99 


happened to be looking out of the window at the time. 44 D. 
W. Rountree, solicitor-general,” is marked for the State in 
this case on the docket, and 44 J. A. Wilkes” is marked for the 
defendant. Under the circumstances, it would seem to have 
been a pity for the case to have been pushed too vigorously; 
and this seems to have been the idea dominating the mind of 
General Rountree. Anyhow, the case seems never to have 
been tried. 

Once, when Captain W. M. Hammond was speaking to the 
court and jury, in the defense of some case, and said, 
“Gentlemen, I think that even the State’s evidence shows the 
innocence of the defendant,” Uncle Dick Norman, who was 
on the jury, said right out loud, and with energy, 44 Yes, Cap¬ 
tain Hammond,—and I think so too.” 

“The jury will keep quiet,” said Judge Hansell, who was 
presiding. 

At the Spring Term, 1893, of Colquitt Superior Court, 
the case of State versus Henry Gregory was sounded; and 
the defendant not answering to the call of his name, and 
the solicitor being about to forfeit the bond, or inquire why 
Henry had not been arrested, his brother arose and said: 
“There is no use bothering about this case any further: He 
is dead: I have a letter here that I’ll read you. It is from 
Henry. He says, 4 I am dead; that last spell of cramp colic 
I had was the worst one I ever had. It killed me.’ ” Cap¬ 
tain W. M. Hammond, who was prosecuting the case, merely 
said, as he looked over his spectacles, “Is my friend sure of 
the veracity of the witness?” 

John A. Wilkes introduced into his practice a lot of show¬ 
manship, for instance, he was representing a Negro school¬ 
teacher whom Solicitor Dan Rountree had indicted for false 
swearing in connection with his school returns. Dan put a 
Justice of the Peace on the witness stand, who in response to 
questions, said: “Yes, that’s his signature. Yes, that’s my 


100 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


signature as a witness. Yes, he swore to it. John A. took 
him on cross-examination saying, “Judge, you say he signed 
this paper?” 

“Yes.” 

“You say he swore to it?” 

“Yes.” 

“Judge, at or before he fixed his signature to this here 
document, did you have him to place his hand on the Book 
of the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, or elevate his right 
hand to the skies, and take the oath or affirmation that the 
law requires?” 

“No, I didn’t do that.” 

“Come down!” sang John A., and the Negro went out of 
court a free man. 

Well, gone are all these unique spirits now—Judge W. B. 
Bennet, excellent lawyer and perfect gentleman, who raised 
four other excellent lawyers and perfect gentlemen, Joe Ben- 
net, Stanley Bennet, Sam Bennet and Matt Bennet; Bill 
Humphreys, dangerous antagonist before a piney-woods jury; 
Dan Rountree, who left the Circuit, entered the practice in 
Atlanta, where he accumulated, it is said, a million dollars, 
and where he died three or four years ago; I. A. Bush, who 
was one of two or three lawyers in Georgia who knew all 
about ejectment law, who practiced law fifty years in a small 
town, generally taking his fees in land, which grew to be 
worth a million dollars; C. 0. Davis, the friend of man; 
the Tom MacIntyres, father and son, who made a fortune in 
the practice at Thomasville; Henry Peeples, the unmatched 
host; W. M. Hammond, incomparable orator; Robert G. 
Mitchell, to whom fear was unknown, solicitor-general and 
judge of the Superior Court—all are gone to “that undis¬ 
covered land, from whose bourne no traveler returns.” 



AUGUST H. HANSELL 




CHAPTER XIX 


The Moultrie Bar in the Nineties 


As we write, we have before us a rather pretentious adver¬ 
tisement of Moultrie, gotten out in the year 1895, by Wade 
Hampton Cooper, the editor of the Moultrie Observer at 
that time. This advertisement was gotten out a matter of 
two years after the Georgia Northern Railroad came to Moul¬ 
trie. Population of the town is claimed to be 1500; and 
everything booming. We shall have more to say of this ad 
later. For the present we are content to call attention to the 
fact that the ad shows that Moultrie had a bar in 1895. 
Here is the list: H. B. Lester, J. J. Walker, Joseph P. 
Smith, M. J. Pearsall, R. L. Shipp, J. L. Hall and D. F. 
Arthur. 

There is no other record or account as to Col. Lester. One 
snap-shot at him on the wing, so to speak, and he is gone. 

Our only authority for listing Mr. Arthur among the 
lawyers is that his name is marked as representing the de¬ 
fendant in the case of the State versus Ellis, on the Criminal 
Docket of Colquitt Superior Court, at the September Term, 
1893. For many years after 1895, his time was devoted to 
abstracting the titles of Colquitt County lands. It is thought 
he died some years ago at some point in Florida. 

Col. Joseph P. Smith came to this section from up about 
McDonough, soon after the War Between the States. He was 
the son of Rev. Melton Smith, and came with his father to 
this section. The father participated in local politics as a 
leader of the Reconstructionists. The son will be recalled by 
many as a member of the legal staff of the Georgia Northern 
Railway for many years. He was a man of well-furnished 



THE MOULTRIE BAR IN THE NINETIES 103 


mind, and well grounded in the principles of his profession. 
He has been dead now, some fifteen years. 

J. L. Hall once represented Thomas County in the lower 
house of the General Assembly of Georgia. He was solicitor- 
general of the Southern Circuit, serving as such from about 
April, 1896, to April 1, 1897. Afterwards, he did a gen¬ 
eral practice in Colquitt, until his health failed him a few 
years later. He was a man of brilliant mind; and possessed 
of many of the qualities of leadership. He has been dead 
now a matter of twenty years. We are under the impression 
that J. J. Walker (Jack) was Colquitt’s first native lawyer. 
He was a son of Frank Walker, who moved to the “Hemp¬ 
stead District” (Berlin, now), bought land and settled on it 
sometime about 1892. Frank Walker and his family graded 
high among their neighbors; and Jack had many friends 
among both the laiety and his brother members of the bar. 
Sometime about 1897, he removed to Ocilla, Georgia, where 
he died about 1915. 

By June, 1898, when this writer came to the bar at Moul¬ 
trie, the pastoral era was giving place to the industrial and 
farming era. This latter era will be written of in another 
chapter; and so at present, we are to write about the Moul¬ 
trie bar as it existed at that time and later, under our knowl¬ 
edge. 

Jack Walker, here in 1895, was gone, as was Col. Lester. 
W. A. Aaron, and one or two others who had come here after 
1895, had also gone. The others, J. L. Hall and J. A. Wilkes, 
had formed a partnership for the practice of law; and on 
June 2, 1898, the date this writer came here, this firm was 
doing fairly well, being in charge of the campaign for all 
county offices which their faction was waging against the 
“Ins.” But it is about the lawyers we should be writing. 


104 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Moultrie was by this time a good place for a young lawyer 
to locate. There was much activity in timbered land, the 
naval stores business was booming; and Moultrie’s ten saloons 
turned out plenty of criminals. Also, there was plenty of 
ready cash to pay lawyers’ fees, all of which combined to 
render this the Golden Age for the lawyers. During the four 
years following 1898, and until the county was made dry 
by the church people, the practitioner at criminal law was in 
clover. 

And so the lawyers moved in; and practice in the “Big 
Court” boomed, as it did in the City Court, which was created 
in 1902, to relieve congested conditions in the Superior 
Court. Some of the old visiting practitioners died out, or 
ceased to visit their old haunts in Colquitt. In the first term 
of the Superior Court (October, 1898), the elder MacIntyre 
is remembered, as is John C. McCall, of Quitman; I. A. 
Bush, of Camilla, and Captain W. M. Hammond, of Thomas- 
ville. 

The firm of Pearsall and Shipp has already been men¬ 
tioned as being located at Moultrie in 1895. We now intro¬ 
duce the members of this firm: R. L. Shipp came to Moul¬ 
trie, about 1893, from Americus, Georgia, where he had 
studied law in the office of Littlejohn and Thompson, Judge 
Littlejohn being his brother-in-law. From the first, he was 
always to be reckoned with among the practitioners at the 
Moultrie bar, as a formidable antagonist. He served Col¬ 
quitt County very effectually as her representative in the 
General Assembly of Georgia, in 1901-2; and a few years 
later, he served a term as judge of the City Court of Moul¬ 
trie. He removed to Miami in the boom days, and attained 
high rank as a lawyer. He died in 1934, and is buried in the 
Moultrie cemetery. 


THE MOULTRIE BAR IN THE NINETIES 105 


Matt J. Pearsall came to Moultrie about the same time 
Robt. L. Shipp came, having studied law with him at Amer- 
icus. Before coming to Georgia, he read law in the office 
of the Hon. Marion Butler, United States Senator from North 
Carolina. Mr. Pearsall himself was a graduate of the Uni¬ 
versity of North Carolina, and was well born, as to both his 
parents. He was killed in a railroad wreck near Moultrie, in 
1902; but he did not pass away before he had reached a 
position of unquestioned leadership of the Moultrie bar; and 
there seemed to be no limit to his possible success, both as 
a lawyer and a politician, had he lived and remained in the 
State. His grave is at Morganton, North Carolina. 

A new firm was organized, as a member of the Moultrie 
bar, about 1896—McKenzie and McKenzie, composed of 
H. C. McKenzie and J. D. McKenzie. They were cousins, 
and stood right at the top among the members of the Moul¬ 
trie bar. J. D. McKenzie was elected judge of the City 
Court of Moultrie, where he rendered distinguished service 
till his death, which occurred long before he had reached 
the term set up by the Psalmist. He is buried here. 

John A. Wilkes, who has already been mentioned, as prac¬ 
ticing here in 1895, was here in 1898 in the active practice 
as a member of the firm of Hall and Wilkes. He was a very 
dangerous antagonist in a criminal case, being capable of 
devastating eloquence in crises. He knew how to pick a jury, 
and knew the Criminal Code of Georgia “by heart,” a thing 
which, in itself, was frequently very inconvenient to his op¬ 
ponents. He commenced practice in the Southern Circuit as 
a member of the Nashville bar; when Dan Rountree was 
solicitor-general, whom more than once he brought to grief 
in the lists of the law. His special delight was in spectacular 
coups, in some of which he would put to flight both opposing 
counsel and the presiding judge—all this to the intense de- 


106 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


light of the populace, who would come out of the courthouse, 
saying to each other, “Old John A. jist knows more damned 
law than judge and solicitor-general put together.” He 
realized the ambition of his troubled youth, and attained 
to Dan Rountree’s job, which he held for four years, until 
his death, in both public and private life, he walked in a 
straight line, “from his youth up.” 

While after W. S. Humphreys moved to Moultrie, his 
nephew, James Humphreys came here, and entered into a 
partnership with him. He survived W. S. Humphreys several 
years while he maintained his place among the leaders of 
the local bar. He knew all that his uncle did about the re¬ 
actions of the wire grass jurors, and his uncle knew all there 
was to know; and he was even more resourceful in his tactics 
on the battlefield. “Little Jim,” as we affectionately called 
him, died some years ago, leaving an excellent and popular 
wife, who has raised and turned into the local bar two 
members, both of whom are demonstrating already that they 
are “chips off the old block.” “Little Jim” is buried in 
the Moultrie cemetery. 

N. Marion Reynolds came to Moultrie, a-lawyering, about 
1900, and did well; but decided to leave and go to Augusta, 
Georgia, where also he has done well in the profession of 
law. 

Finally, there came along about the time that Reynolds 
came, T. W. Maddox, from “somers” over in southeast 
Georgia. From first to last, he has prospered, and has held 
creditably to himself and to the county, the solicitorship of 
the old City Court and the position of representative of Col¬ 
quitt County in the lower house of the General Assembly of 
Georgia. 

Note. After completing the above Chapter we came into posses¬ 
sion of the Census of 1860. It shows that the first house entered by 


THE MOULTRIE BAR IN THE NINETIES 107 


the Census Enumerator was that of “James M. Savage, whose occu¬ 
pation was put down as “Lawyer.” Mr. Savage was 31, and a native 
of New York. His wife was “Caroline C. Savage,” was the same 
age, but born in Georgia. They had a boy baby, named “Marion 
W.” Mr. Savage had a double-pen residence, situated in the north¬ 
east corner of the block immediately south of the Courthouse 
Square, now called the “Watson Drugstore Corner.” At least, this 
corner was known for many years as “The Savage House.” 


CHAPTER XX 

The Census of 1860 


Colquitt’s first census was taken in 1860, when she was 
four years old. It was taken by Peter 0. Wing, “Asst. Mar¬ 
shal Census.” Mr. Wing “censused” himself, as third man 
from the last head of family, as will be found by inspection 
of this census. 

Mr. Wing was forty-three years old, as he was informed 
in taking the census; was by profession “Ordinary of Col¬ 
quitt”; was the husband of Elizabeth A. Wing; and they had 
one child, named Sarah L. Wing. Mr. Wing was forty- 
three years old, as has been stated, and his wife was twenty- 
two. He was a native of Maine, and his wife was a native 
of Georgia, and one of the Alderman family, down about 
Tallokas. We have photostatic copies of Mr. Wing’s census 
work, which shows him to have been a well-educated man, 
and he wrote a very legible hand. We know aliunde that 
he was by profession a shoemaker—one who could and did 
make excellent shoes. He was still a citizen of Moultrie 
in 1865, where his wife operated an excellent boarding 
house on the present site of Daniel’s drug store. Mr. Wing 
is buried at Tallokas, having died at Moultrie in 1871. His 
wife took her two children and removed to her father’s, at 
the death of Mr. Wing. All are now dead. 

A review of Mr. Wing’s census shows that the citizens of 
Colquitt had landed property worth $158,452 in 1860, while 
their personal holdings footed up $251,880. Such inspection 
will further show that the white population consisted of 615 
males and 581 females. 

The wealthiest man in Colquitt County, in 1860, was 
Charles H. Johnson, who is set down as the owner of real 



THE CENSUS OF 1860 


109 


estate worth $4,500, and personalty worth $15,435. From 
sources outside the census, we know that Charles H. John¬ 
son, in his early boyhood, like many English youths have 
done, and like many others will do, ran away from home, 
and became a seaman. He worked at his trade until about 
1840, when he quit, leaving his ship at Saint Marks, Florida, 
and going north with his holdings in cash. He finally settled 
down near what is now Berlin, in Colquitt County, bought 
lands, erected one of the oldest houses in the county, part of 
which still stands, having the appearance of a fort. He 
then married a wife and raised a couple of children, a girl 
and a boy. After the Civil War, he was one of the three or 
four citizens in Colquitt from whom the average citizen might 
borrow a little cash. There were at that time, of course, no 
banks in the county. Mr. Lewis Perry, who married a grand¬ 
daughter of pioneer Johnson, now lives on a portion of the 
original Johnson farm. 

This census shows that John G. Coleman ran within two or 
three hundred dollars of Mr. Johnson’s financial primacy in 
that year. As has been seen, Coleman was by birth a citi¬ 
zen of South Carolina, and that in 1861, he was a member 
of the Secession Convention. He lived over across the Warrior 
in north Colquitt. He was elected a judge of the Inferior 
Court of Colquitt in a week or two after he came home from 
the Secession Convention, a position which he held for about 
twelve months, when he disappeared “without trace,” so far 
as our searchings after him have developed. 

In 1860, the Hancock family was the largest in Colquitt, 
numbering sixty-two, separated into ten families. The Nor¬ 
mans numbered forty-one; the Murphys, twenty-eight; the 
Crofts, twenty-three; the Hollands counted up thirty-four; 
the Tuckers, thirty-four; the Tillmans, twenty-three, and the 
Weeks, eighteen; and the Bakers, twenty-three. 




110 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Hon. N. M. Marchant, who assisted in taking the census of 
1880, tells us that that census showed the Normans leading 
the population of the county, with ninety-two souls, and the 
Murphys came second with fifty-five. 

The 1860 census shows that there were ten “free Negroes” 
in Colquitt County, all of whom were named “Thompson,” 
the ages running from less than a year to thirty-seven years. 
Apparently, Nancy Thompson, aged thirty-seven, was the 
mother of all the others. At such time, this character of 
population was not uncommon in the slave states, where it 
had certain civil rights, depending upon the local laws; but 
of course, no political rights. 

Edy Smith, born in South Carolina, is shown to have been 
eighty-seven years old at the date of the census, and it may 
be necessary to say, was a female. Elizabeth Bustle, found 
at the house of Dan Bustle, was seventy-five. Both these 
women were natives of South Carolina. “Fariba Mercer” 
was found to reside with John Tillman, leader of a prominent 
family in Colquitt. “Fariba Mercer” was a woman. Never¬ 
theless, she made no effort to hold back her age. At least, 
she admitted that she was ninety. She was the mother-in-law 
of the man whose home she occupied. 

Census Marshal Wing found that the very oldest person 
in the county was living up on the Warrior, at the home of 
Lewis Harrel. She also was evidently a relative of her host; 
but there is no way to judge what the relationship was. Her 
name was “Sally Hawkins,” and she was born in South Caro¬ 
lina, just ninety-six years before Mr. Wing called to see her 
—twelve years before the signing of the Declaration of In¬ 
dependence, never having heard of germs, vitamins, or 
screened doors. 

The Holland family, referred to above, was separated into 
five subordinate families, the heads of every one of which 


THE CENSUS OF 1860 


111 


came from North Carolina. Eli Holland has “primitive Bap¬ 
tist” written as his “profession.” He was an elder in that 
church; but he had managed to lay up, where “moth and 
rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal” $3,- 
500 worth of real estate, and $3,059 worth of personal prop¬ 
erty. A tidy sum this was in those days, and still is. 

Wiley N. Holland was the head of one of the families of 
the Holland clan. He was thirty-seven years old in 1860, 
and his wife “Diadama” was twenty-five. One of their chil¬ 
dren was named “Civil America.” 

Jackson P. Bennet, forty-three, and his wife, Polly, were 
both born in South Carolina. Among their numerous chil¬ 
dren were “Arkansas,” “Texanna” and “Virginia.” 

John Gregory, sixty-three, apparent widower and farmer, 
was a native of South Carolina, living out toward the south¬ 
west part of Colquitt County, in 1860, having removed there 
some thirty years before. He told Mr. Wing that he had 
lands worth $4,500, and personalty valued by him at $3,- 
470. As residents in his house he numbered two or three 
of his own name, whose ages indicated that they might be 
children, and others, of a different name, who might have 
been relatives, or house and farm servants. Near the bottom 
of the list in this big house are two children, of the Gregory 
name. One of them is written down as aged ten, and a girl 
child. Mr. Wing wrote her name down as “Unknown 
Gregory.” We think it is the most curious name in this 
census. 

We believe that our readers, especially such as are natives 
of Colquitt County, and descendants of the original settlers, 
will derive great pleasure from studying Mr. Wing’s census. 
We present it at this place in the book, in its entirety, as being 
copied from the photostatic copies. 


112 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Census of 1860—Colquitt County 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

1. 

James M. Savage. 

. 31 

Lawyer 

N. Y. 


Caroline C. Savage. 

. 31 


Ga. 


Marion W. Savage. 

.9/12 


Ga. 

2. 

Zilpha Sloan . 

. 56 

Seamstress 

S. C. 


Jasper Sloan . 

. 24 

Laborer 

Ga. 


Newton Sloan . 

. 21 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Daniel Sloan . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Polly Ann Sloan. 

. 14 


Ga. 


William Sloan . 

. 10 


Ga. 

3. 

Darlin Creed . 

. 40 

F armer 

S. C. 


Sarah Ann Creed. 

. 33 


Fla. 


Mary Ann A. A. Creed. 

....... 3 


Ga. 


James A. Creed. 

.8/12 


Ga. 


Jacob Creed . 

. 35 


S. C. 


Elizabeth Barton . 

. 16 


s. c. 


Isaiah Barton . 

. 13 


Ga. 


Thomas Barton . 

. 9 


Ga. 

4. 

James E. Hancock. 

. 35 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Martha Hancock . 

. 35 


N. C. 


Georgia Ann Hancock. 

. 8 


Ga. 


Linton C. Hancock. 

. 7 


Ga. 


Mary C. Hancock. 

..... 5 


Ga. 


Caroline M. Hancock. 

. 4 


Ga. 


Nancy E. Hancock. 

. 2 


Ga. 


Barzell Hancock. 

.3/12 


Ga. 

5. 

Paul M. J. Creed. 

. 25 

Farm laborer 

S. C. 


Sarah Creed . 

. 23 


Ga. 


Nancy A. E. Creed. 

. 2 


Ga. 


Susan C. Creed. 

....7/12 


Ga. 

6. 

Bartley Stephenson . 

. 36 

Farmer 

N.C. 


Susan A. J. Stephenson.... 

. 21 


Fla. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


113 


Name 

7. Daniel Creed 

Eliza Creed 
Elender Creed . 

8. Hardin Hancock _ 

Lydia Hancock. 

Ansel Hancock . 

Thos. W. McLendon.. 

9. Martin W. Hancock.... 

Elva Hancock . 

10. Nancy Vick. 

James Vick . 

Aaron Vick. 

Missouri Vick. 

Timothy Vick . 

John H. Vick. 

Ezekiel Vick . 

11. John Sloan, Jr. 

Martha Sloan .. 

Susan Sloan . 

Mary Sloan .. 

Daniel Sloan ... 

Nancy Sloan . 

Dixon Sloan . 

Jeremiah Sloan . 

John Sloan . 

Rachel Watson . 

Antoinette Townsend 

12. Zepheniah Rich . 

Sarah Rich .. 

John R. Rich. 

Jas. H. Rich. 

William P. Rich. 


Age Occupation Birth-place 


47 Laborer S. C. 

37 Ga. 

7 Ga. 

29 Farmer Ga. 

20 Ga. 

1 Ga. 

22 Farm laborer Ga. 

22 Farmer Ga. 

22 Ga. 

33 Ga. 

14 Ga. 

12 Ga. 

11 Ga. 

9 Ga. 

8 Ga. 

5 Ga. 

45 Farmer N. C. 

34 Ga. 

10 Ga. 

8 Ga. 

7 Ga. 

5 Ga. 

4 Ga. 

2 Ga. 

77 N. C. 

19 Domestic Ga. 

17 Domestic Ga. 

37 Farm laborer N. C. 

40 N. C. 

14 Ga. 

12 Ga. 

10 Ga. 


































114 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name Age Occupation Birth-place 


Eliza H. Rich. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Mary J. Rich. 

.. 7 


Ga. 

Martha A. Rich. 

.. 2 


Ga. 

Jeremiah Hancock . 

.. 56 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Ellen Hancock . 

.. 54 


Ga. 

Nancy Hancock . 

.. 29 


Ga. 

Susan Hancock. 

.. 23 


Ga. 

Harrison Hancock . 

.. 19 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Martha J. Hancock. 

.. 14 


Ga. 

Eliz. Hancock. 

.. 18 


Ga. 

Rachel A. Hancock. 

.. 12 


Ga. 

John D. Hancock. 

.. 12 


Ga. 

William Hancock.. 

.. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Geo. T. Suber. 

.. 35 

Farm laborer 

S.C. 

Sarah E. Suber..... 

. 32 


Ga. 

Felen G. Suber.. 

. 9 


Ga. 

Sarah E. Suber. 

. 6 


Ga. 

James F. Suber. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Serena Suber . 

. 1 


Ga. 

Hardin Hancock . 

.. 43 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliz. Hancock . 

. 45 


Ga. 

Sarah Hancock . 

. 21 


Ga. 

Jane Hancock . 

. 18 


Ga. 

Georgia Ann Hancock. 

. 15 


Ga. 

Menita Hancock . 

. 12 


Ga. 

William J. Hancock. 

. 8 


Ga. 

General J. Hancock. 

. 5 


Ga. 

Martha E. Hancock. 

. 2 


Ga. 

Orilla Hancock . 

.6/12 


Ga. 

Steven Johnson . 

. 71 

Blind 

N. C. 

Delilah Johnson . 

.. 59 


N. C. 

Neri Johnson . 

. 23 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Lebana Johnson . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

N. C. 



































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


115 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth 

-PLACE 

17. 

James R. Alger. 

. 25 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Nancy J. Alger. 

. 22 


Ga. 


Emerson L. Alger. 

. 3 


Ga. 

18. 

William J. Smith. 

.. 34 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah Ann Smith. 

.. 30 


Ga. 


William Smith . 

. 7 


Ga. 


Caroline Smith _ 

. 5 


Ga. 


John Smith .. 

. 2 


Ga. 

19. 

Hardy Smith .. 

. 27 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Sarah J. Smith.... 

. 15 


Ga. 

20. 

Steven Smith . 

.. 67 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Winney Smith . 

.. 58 


Ga. 


Melinda Dunner . 

. 32 

Seamstress 

Ga. 


Georgia Ann Dunner. 

. 10 


Ga. 

21. 

Jas. Woodcock . 

. 35 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Alla M. Woodcock. 

. 31 


Ga. 


Edward Woodcock . 

. 12 


Ga. 


Alla M. Woodcock. 

. 10 


Ga. 


Steven Woodcock . 

. 8 


Ga. 


Winnie Woodcock . 

. 6 


Ga. 


America Woodcock . 

. 3 


Ga. 


James Woodcock . 

.10/12 


Ga. 

22. 

Wilson L. Alger. 

.. 26 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Mary Alger . 

. 25 


Ga. 


Joseph Hutto Alger. 

. 6 


Ga. 

23. 

Thos. P. Scarber. 

. 38 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Martha E. Scarber. 

.. 30 


N. C. 


Charles G. Scarber. 

.. 6 


Ga. 


Mary J. Scarber. 

. 3 


Ga. 


Sarah E. Scarber. 

.. 1 


Ga. 
































116 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age Occupation Birth-place 

Daniel Bustle . 

. 43 Farmer 

Ga. 

Margaret Bustle . 

. 36 

N. C. 

Mary Ann Bustle. 

. 10 

Ga. 

Eliz. Ann Bustle. 

. 10 

Ga. 

Dorinds Bustle . 

. 9 

Ga. 

Margaret Bustle . 

. 4 

Ga. 

Larinia Bustle . 

.. 1 

Ga. 

Eliz. Bustle. 

. 75 

S.C. 

John N. Philips. 

. 30 Farmer 

Ga. 

Amelia Philips . 

. 26 

Ga. 

William Philips . 

. 10 

Ga. 

Gillis Philips . 

. 8 

Ga. 

Mary J. Philips. 

. 6 

Ga. 

Lewis Philips .. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Disa Philips . 

. 2 

Ga. 

Jackson Philips . 

. 1 

Ga. 

Edie Smith . 

. 87 

S. C. 

Patience Smith . 

. 48 Domestic 

Ga. 

Isaac Alger . 

. 55 Farmer 

Ga. 

Jane R. Alger. 

. 48 

Ga. 

Napoleon Alger . 

.. 16 Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Benj. F. Alger. 

. 14 

Ga. 

Arabella Alger . 

. 9 

Ga. 

Mary J. Alger. 

. 7 

Ga. 

Marg. Alger . 

. 4 

Ga. 

Edward W. Creed. 

. 24 Farm laborer 

S. C. 

Eli R. Clark. 

. 40 Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliza Clark . 

. 36 

Ga. 

Lydia Clark .. 

. 17 

Ga. 

Eli Clark. 

.. 16 

Ga. 

Henry Clark . 

. 14 

Ga. 

Samuel Clark . 

. 12 

Ga. 

Mary E. Clark. 

.. 11 

Ga. 



































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


117 


Name 


Age Occupation Birth-place 


Moses W. Clark. 9 

Rebecca F. Clark. 7 

James L. Clark. 5 

Marg. E. Clark. 2 

Susan Clark .1/12 

28. Eli Holland . 68 

Edith Holland . 63 

Maria Holland . 13 

Joseph P. Holland. 9 

29. Ezekiel Crawford .. 45 

Martha A. Crawford_.... 28 

Jane Crawford . 22 

John L. Crawford..... 21 

William B. Crawford.. 16 

Henry Crawford.,... 13 

Benj. Crawford . 9 

Leonard Crawford . 7 

Louisa Crawford . 5 

Florida Crawford .8/12 

30. Wiley N. Holland. 37 

Diadama 0. Holland. 25 

Benj. Holland . 7 

Wiley N. Holland. 5 

Civil A. R. Holland. 3 

Eli Holland . 2/12 

31. Jackson P. Bennet. 43 

Polly A. Bennet. 42 

Marg. A. Bennet... 18 

Arkansas S. Bennet. 13 

Alphine S. Bennet. 11 

James M. Bennet. 9 

Mary A. Bennet. 5 


Prim. Baptist 


Farm laborer 


Farm laborer 
Farm laborer 


Farmer 


Miller 


Ga. 

Ga. 

Ga. 

Ga. 

Ga. 

N. C. 
N. C. 
N. C. 
Ga. 

Ga. 
N. C. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 

N. C. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 
Ga. 

S. C. 
S. C. 

s. c. 
s. c. 
s. c. 
s. c. 
s. c. 


































118 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age Occupation Birth place 

Josiah Z. Bennet. 

. 3 

S. C. 

Texanna Bennet . 

. 1 

s. c. 

Virginia Bennet . 

. 1 

s.c. 

John T. Holland. 

.. 39 Farmer 

N. C. 

Maria Holland . 

.. 43 

N. C. 

Julius H. Holland. 

. 6 

Ga. 

Edy Ann Holland. 

.. 4 

N. C. 

Eliz. A. Holland. 

. 2 

Ga. 

Thos. E. Holland. 

. 1 

Ga. 

Alvin Holland . 


N. C. 

Mary Holland . 

.. 30 

Ala. 

William P. Holland. 

.. 10 

Ala. 

Frances Holland __ 

.. 8 

Ala. 

Ella Holland . 

. 6 

Ala. 

George D. Holland_ 

. 4 Idiot 

Ala. 

Bright Holland. 

. 1 

Ga. 

Enas Holland . 

. 70 Blacksmith 

N.C. 

Susan Holland ... 

.. 60 

N. C. 

Eson Holland . 

. 40 

N.C. 

Eliz. Holland . 

. 39 

N.C. 

Mary J. Holland.. 

. 18 

N. C. 

Enos Holland .. 

. 14 

N.C. 

Susan Holland . 

. 11 

N. C. 

Alson G. Holland. 

.. 10 

Ga. 

Martha E. Holland. 

. 8 

Fla. 

Eliz. Holland . 

. 6 

Ga. 

Melinda H. Holland. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Kitty L. Holland. 

.11/12 

Ga. 

John Gregory . 

. 63 Farmer 

s. c. 

Richard B. Gregory. 


Ga. 

Jemima Gregory . 

. 34 

Ga. 

Samuel C. Gregory. 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


119 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

William R. Edwards. 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Samuel Gregory .. 

.. 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Eleanor Boatwright . 

. 24 

Domestic 

Ga. 

Sarah A. Boatwright. 

. 22 

Domestic 

Ga. 

John F. Boatwright. 

.. 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Unknown Gregory .. 

. 10 

(Female) 

Ga. 

Mary E. Gregory. 

. . 5 


Ga. 

Byson Boatwright . 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Merrit Johnson . 

.. 47 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Mary Johnson . 

.. 40 


N. C. 

Sarah A. Johnson. 

.. 16 


N. C. 

Wiley E. Johnson. 

.. 14 


N.C. 

Richard S. Johnson. 

. 4 


Ga. 

James R. Johnson. 

. 2 


Ga. 

Elijah Fields .. 

.. . . .. 26 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliz. Fields . 

. 31 


N.C. 

Thos. J. Fields. 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Mary J. Fields.. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Peter Connell . 

.. 49 

F armer 

S. C. 

Susannah Connell . 

.. 44 


Ga. 

Simon Connell .. 

.. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Jas. S. Connell. 

.. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Sarah K. Connell..... 

.. 16 


Ga. 

Richard A. Connell. 

.. 12 


Ga. 

William E. Connell. 

.. 10 


Ga. 

Susan M. E. Connell .... 

.......... 7 


Ga. 

Martha J. Connell.. 

.. 5 


Ga. 

Nancy A. Connell. 

.. 2 


Ga. 

Joseph J. Richter. 

.. 33 

Farmer 

Bavaria 

Wetstel M. Richter. 

.. 25 


Ga. 

Marg. A. Richter. 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Wright F. Richter. 

. 3 


Ga. 

John A. Richter. 

. 2 


Ga. 



































120 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age Occupation Birth- 

PLACE 

40. 

David Alligood . 

. 23 Farmer 

Ga. 


Ascention Alligood . 

. 23 

Ga. 


Eli B. Alligood. 

. 1 

Ga. 

41. 

Elender Alligood . 

. 53 

Ga. 


James Alligood . 

. 19 Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Thos. Alligood . 

. 17 Farm laborer 

Ga. 

42. 

Samuel J. Hart. 

. 25 Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah J. Hart. 

. 16 

Ga. 


Flora H. Hart. 

..6/12 

Ga. 


Hardy Hancock . 

. 28 Farm laborer 

Ga. 

43. 

Martha A. Collier. 

. 34 Weaver and seamst. 

Ga. 


David H. Collier. 

.. 10 

Ga. 


Joel A. Collier. 

. 7 

Ga. 


Piety C. Collier. 

. 4 

Ga. 

44. 

James Horne. 

. 23 Common laborer 

Ga. 


Susan Horne. 

. 25 

Ga. 


Elafin Horne . 

. 6 

Ga. 


Gilly Ann Horne. 

. '5 

Ga. 


William G. Horne. 

. 3 

Ga. 


Lucy E. Horne. 

.10/12 

Ga. 

45. 

Daniel Lawson . 

. 45 Laborer 

Ga. 


Mary Lawson . 

. 37 

Ga. 


Lamanda Lawson . 

. 17 

Ga. 


Nancy E. Lawson. 

.. 8 

Ga. 


Sarah J. Lawson. 

. 6 

Ga. 


Ann A. Lawson. 

. 4 

Ga. 


Julia P. Lawson. 

. 1 

Ga. 

46. 

Joshua J. Warren. 

. 37 Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Marg. A. Warren. 

. 22 

Ga. 


John Warren . 

. 8 

Ga. 


Mary C. Warren. 

. 7 

Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


121 


Name 

Age Occupation Birth 

-PLACE 

James W. Warren. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Ruben W. Warren. 

. 2 

Ga. 

Joseph D. Warren. 

.10/12 

Ga. 

47. Linton Carlton . 

. 39 Farmer 

N. C. 

Catharine Carlton . 

. 36 

Ga. 

Isaac Carlton . 


Ga. 

Nancy Carlton . 

. 13 

Ga. 

Wright Carlton . 

. 11 

Ga. 

Alfred Carlton . 

. 5 

Ga. 

John B. Carlton. 

. 3 

Ga. 

Pauline Townsend . 

. 16 Domestic 

Ga. 

Abel P. Hutchison. 

. 34 School teacher 

S. C. 

Aaron Carlton . 

. 16 Scholar 

Ga. 

48. Geo. W. Tucker.. 

. 34 Farmer 

Ga. 

Telitha Tucker . 

.. 35 

N. C. 

Nancy Tucker . 

. 14 

N. C. 

Rebecca Tucker . 

. 12 

N. C. 

Mary Tucker . 

. 8 

N. C. 

John Tucker . 

. 10 

N. C. 

Malatha Tucker . 

. 6 

N. C. 

Telitha Tucker . 

. 4 

N.C. 

Louisa Tucker . 

. 5 

N. C. 

Henry A. Tucker. 

.6/12 

N. C. 

49. Mack L. Gay. 

. 37 Farmer 

Ga. 

Mary K. Gay. 

. 32 

Ga. 

Mary J. Gay. 

.. 5 

Ga. 

John Gay . 

. 3 

Ga. 

Samuel Gay . 

. 1 

Ga. 

50. James J. Hinto. 

.. 23 Farmer 

S. C. 

51. Joel P. Register. 


N. C. 

Elva Register . 

.. 43 

N. C. 

John T. Register. 

. 14 

Ga. 


































122 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

Nancy C. Register. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Marg. C. Register. 

. 8 


Ga. 

Louisa Register . 

. 5 


Ga. 

John Sloan . 

. 26 

Common laborer 

Ga. 

Robert Bearden . 

. 30 

Grocer 

S.C. 

Sarah Ann Bearden. 

. 21 


S. C. 

Moses J. Guyton. 

. 29 

Merchant 

Ga. 

Henry C. Tucker. 

. 55 

Primitive Baptist 

Ga. 

Rebecca Tucker . 

. 26 


Ga. 

Henry S. Tucker. 

.. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Mary Ann Tucker. 

.. 16 


Ga. 

Martha Tucker . 

.. 14 


Ga. 

Jane Tucker . 

. 12 


Ga. 

Eliz. Tucker . 

.. 10 


Ga. 

Hiram Tucker .. 

.. 8 


Ga. 

James S. Tucker.. 

.. 7 


Ga. 

Saphronia Tucker .. 

.. 6 


Ga. 

Margaret Tucker . 

. 4 


Ga. 

Isaac Tucker . 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Joel Tucker ... 

.. 3 


Ga. 

Ansel Tucker . 

. 1 


Ga. 

(Unnamed) Tucker . 

.1/12 


Ga. 

Riley Potter . 

. 57 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Martha Potter . 

. 36 


Ga. 

John W. Potter.. 

.. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Bosdell Potter .... 

--.... 14 


Ga. 

Sarah Potter . 

. 12 


Ga. 

Wilkinson Potter . 

. 10 


Ga. 

Martha Potter . 

. 8 


Ga. 

Lucinda Potter . 

. . 6 


Ga. 

Eliza Potter . 

. 4 


Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


123 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth 

PLACE 

John Tucker . 

.. 27 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Susan A. Tucker. 

. 25 


N. C. 

Susan Jane Tucker. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Nancy I. Tucker_ 

.. 1 


Ga. 

Thos. Stevenson . 

. 24 

Farm laborer 

N. C. 

Sam. Gay . 

.. 33 

F armer 

Ga. 

Melinda Gay . 

.. 25 


Fla. 

Martha J. Gay... 

. 3 


Ga. 

William H. Gay. 

. 2 


Ga. 

Thomas H. Gay. 

.6/12 


Ga. 

Richard Tucker . 

.. 24 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Civil Tucker ... 

. 16 


Ga. 

John G. Coleman... 

.. 38 

F armer 

S.C. 

Laura H. Coleman. 

. 28 


Ga. 

John G. Coleman.. 

.. 7 


Ga. 

Virginia C. Coleman. 

. 4 


Ga. 

William R. Coleman.. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Willis Price . 

.. 23 

Farmer 

Fla. 

Marg. Price .... 

.. 42 


Ga. 

Lydia M. J. Price.. 

. 11 


Ga. 

William P. Price. 

_ 7 


Ga. 

David Bland .. . 

. 39 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Nancy C. Bland. 

.. 35 


N. C. 

William B. Bland. 

. 14 


Ga. 

George W. Bland. 

.. 5 


Ga. 

Francis M. Bland. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Lewis Harrel . 

. 63 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Litha Harrel ... 

. 63 


S. C. 

Litha Harrel . 

. 23 


Ga. 

Mary Harrel . 

. 21 


Ga. 
































124 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

Rhoda Harrel . 

. 20 


Ga. 

Amos Turner . 

. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Sally Hawkins . 

. 96 


s.c. 

Jeremiah T. Hancock. 

. 21 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Alafin Hancock . 

. 24 


S. C. 

Jeremiah N. Hancock. 

.2/12 


Ga. 

Henry Hancock . 

....... 55 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Mary Hancock . 

....... 45 


Ga. 

Henry W. Hancock. 

. 23 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Martha A. Hancock. 

....... 17 


Ga. 

Sarah A. Hancock. 

. 15 


Ga. 

Selista A. Hancock. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Stephen Hancock . 

. 53 

Common laborer 

Ga. 

Blancet Hancock . 

. 47 


Ga. 

Henry Hancock . 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Hampleton S. Hancock. 

. 13 


Ga. 

Martha S. Hancock. 

. 9 


Ga. 

Nathaniel Giles . 

. 50 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Mary Giles . 

. 46 


Ga. 

Sarah J. Giles.... 

. 24 


Ga. 

Emily F. Giles. 

. 23 


Ga. 

Fariba C. Giles. 

. 22 


Ga. 

Martha A. Giles. 

. 19 


Ga. 

Jacob J. Giles. 

. 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Melinda M. Giles. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Mary A. V. Giles. 

. 10 


Ga. 

David B. Giles. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Elijah H. Giles. 

. 5 


Ga. 

Hardy Carlton . 

. 44 

Farmer 

N.C. 

Barbara Carlton . 

. 35 


N. C. 

Mary A. Carlton.. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Eliz. J. Carlton. 

. 7 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


125 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth- 

■PLACE 

Sarah C. Carlton. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Sarah Jones . 

. 26 

Seamstress 

Ga. 

Jacob W. Taylor.. 

. 39 

Carpenter 

N. C. 

Mary E. Taylor. 

. 32 


N. C. 

James S. Taylor. 

. 12 


N.C. 

Mordica Taylor .. 

. 9 


N. C. 

Hencilla A. Taylor.. 

. 4 


N. C. 

William Fulwood . 

_ 27 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Eliz. Fulwood .. 

. 25 


Ga. 

Vernon M. Fulwood. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Isaac I. Royal. 

. 56 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Nancy Royal .. 

. 49 


Ga. 

Daniel Royal . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Thos. A. Royal. 

. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Martha F. Royal. 

_ 13 


Ga. 

Nancy M. Royal. 

.. 11 


Ga. 

Ezekiel A. Royal.. 

. 5 


Ga. 

David Mims . 

. 69 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Laurana Mims . 

. 35 


Ga. 

Naomi Mims . 

. 21 


Ga. 

Eliza Mims . 

. 17 


Ga. 

Isaac Royal . 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

John Mims ... 

. 25 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Susan A. Mims. 

........ 24 


Ga. 

John T. Mims... 

. 4 


Ga. 

Sarah A. A. Mims. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Celestia E. Mims. 

....... 2 


Ga. 

George S. Faison. 

. 51 

Farmer 

Va. 

Eleanor A. Faison. 

. 45 


Ga. 

Robert W. Faison. 

........ 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Averilla D. Faison. 

. 11 


Ga. 

































126 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 


Clara A. Faison. 

. 8 


Ga. 


John B. S. Faison. 

. 7 


Ga. 


Chas. W. Faison. 

. 2 


Ga. 

71. 

James NeSmith . 

. 35 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Eliz. NeSmith . 

. 33 


Ga. 


Elijah G. T. NeSmith. 

. 4 


Ga. 


Elander J. P. NeSmith. 

. 2 


Ga. 

72. 

Thos. Jordan . 

. 82 

Past-laborer 

S.C. 


Dicy Jordan .. 

. 71 


Va. 

73. 

Daniel 0. Saffold. 

.. 52 

F armer 

Ga. 


Nancy Saffold . 

. 30 


Ga. 


Cena A. C. Saffold. 

. 20 


Ga. 


John T. Saffold. 

. 10 


Ga. 


Richard R. Saffold. 

. 7 


Ga. 


Martha Ann Saffold. 

. 6 


Ga. 


Henry H. Saffold. 

..... 4 


Ga. 


Samuel S. Saffold. 

. 1 


Ga. 

74. 

Absolom Baker . 

. 51 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Martha A. Baker.... 

. 29 


Ga. 


Lydia A. D. A. Baker. 

. 16 


Ga. 


Jarrett J. Baker. 

....... 10 


Ga. 


Zilpha E. Baker. 

. 8 


Ga. 


Absolom Baker ... 

. 6 


Ga. 


Martha A. Baker. 

. 4 


Ga. 


Millard F. Baker. 

. 1 


Ga. 


Thos. Tillman . 

.. 21 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

75. 

David Highsmith . 

. 27 

F armer 

Ga. 


Leah Highsmith . 

. 26 


Ga. 


Jessie Highsmith . 

. 5 


Ga. 


Martha Ann Highsmith ... 

. 5 


Ga. 


Peggie A. Highsmith. 

.9/12 


Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


127 


Name 

76. Elijah Tillman . 

Mary Tillman . 

Mary M. Tillman. 

Sallie A. R. Tillman.. 

John H. Tillman. 

James Tillman __ 

77. Henry Gay . 

Sarah E. Gay. 

James H. Gay. 

John Gay . 

Ruth J. Gay. 

Mary Gay ... 

Martha Gay . 

Eliz. Gay. 

78. Richard J. Norman.... 
Fariba A. R. Norman 

79. James J. Redd. 

Martha B. Redd. 

Sarah F. Redd. 

Harriet A. E. Redd.... 

John Redd . 

May R. Redd. 

80. Jacob F. Reichert. 

Rebecca Reichert . 

Sarah M. Reichert. 

John D. Reichert. 

Julia A. Reichert.. 

Louis W. Reichert. 

Henrietta Reichert . 

William Reichert . 

Alexander S. Reichert 


Occupation Birth-place 

Farmer 

Ga. 


N. C. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 

Carpenter 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Sheriff 

Wurtemburg 


Ga. 


Fla. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Age 

. 28 

. 28 

. 8 

. 6 

. 4 

. 1 

. 40 

. 41 

. 14 

. 14 

. 13 

. 12 

. 12 

. 9 

. 23 

. 21 

. 34 

. 36 

. 12 

. 10 

. 7 

. 4 

. 40 

. 36 

. 16 

. 14 

. 13 

. 10 

. 8 

. 6 

. 3 

































128 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

81. Wilson McMullin 
Martha McMullin 
John McMullin .. 
Nancy McMullin 
William McMullin .. 
Julia Ann McMullin 

82. Abraham Gay. 

Mary E. Gay. 

Nancy J. Gay. 

Sarah C. Gay. 

Hiram Gay . 

John Bloodworth .... 

83. Jeremiah B. Norman 
Sarah A. E. Norman 
Ruth E. Norman 
James T. Norman 
Julia A. E. Norman 
Susan L. Norman 
Jeremiah Norman 
John S. Norman 
Matthew H. Norman 
Zilpha Norman 
Joseph J. Norman 

84. David A. Gillis 
Arena Gillis 

85. Andrew Coker 
Eliz. Coker 
Frances M. Coker 
John P. Coker 
Malta A. Coker 

86. Joe Castleberry . 
Anna Castleberry 


Occupation Birth 

PLACE 

Steam mill hand 

S. C. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


N.C. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Common carpenter 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Age 

51 

50 

14 

13 

11 

6 

27 

25 

5 

5/12 

24 

18 

38 

35 

13 

11 


7 
6 
4 

10/12 
. 27 

. 20 

. 22 

. 28 

. 21 

. 5 

. 3 

. 10/12 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


129 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth 

PLACE 


Henry Castleberry . 

. 8 


Ga. 


Louis H. Castleberry. 

. 6 


Ga. 


Susan Castleberry . 

. 5 


Ga. 


Letha Castleberry. 

. 3 


Ga. 


Jeremiah B. Castleberry.... 

. 1 


Ga. 

87. 

James W. Dukes. 

. 27 

F armer 

Ga. 


Lany J. Dukes. 

. 22 


N.C. 


Julia Ann Dukes. 

. 1 


Ga. 

88. 

Early 0. Green. 

.. 37 

Common laborer 

Ga. 


Eliz. Green ... 

. 32 


Ga. 


Mary Green .... 

. 9 


Ga. 


Thos. Green ... 

. 8 


Ga. 


Sylvania Green . 

. 5 


Ga. 


John Green . 

. 2 


Ga. 


Henry Green. 

....2/12 


Ga. 

89. 

Flornoy Clark . 

. 35 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Eliza E. Clark. 

. 7 


Ga. 

90. 

Noel G. Clark. 

...... 36 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Nancy Clark ... 

. 34 


Ga. 


Georgia Ann Clark. 

. 10 


Ga. 

91. 

John R. M. Lindsey. 

. 31 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah A. M. Lindsey. 

. 31 


S. C. 


Mary E. Lindsey. 

. 9 


S. C. 


Benj. F. Lindsey. 

...... 8 


S. C. 


Winny M. Lindsey. 

. 3 


S. C. 


John A. James. 

. 17 

Farm laborer 

S. C. 

92. 

Henry Crosby. 

. 30 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Patience Crosby . 

. 30 


Ga. 


John W. Crosby. 

. 10 


Ga. 


Ezekiel Crosby . 

. 7 


Ga. 


Eliz. Crosby . 

. 2 


Ga. 

































130 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

93. 

Seaborn Weeks . 

. 34 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Nancy Weeks . 

. 29 


Ga. 


Saphrona Weeks . 

. 8 


Ga. 


John T. Weeks. 

. 6 


Ga. 


Thos. M. Weeks. 

. 4 


Ga. 


Martha A. Weeks. 

.3/12 


Ga. 

94. 

Eliz. James . 

. 52 

Weaver 

S. C. 


Martha J. James. 

. 15 


Ga. 


Sarah A. E. James. 

. 12 


Ga. 


Katharine A. James. 

. 10 


Ga. 

95. 

Jacob Kinard . 

. 42 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Lucretia Kinard . 

. 40 


Ga. 


Sina Kinard . 

. 20 


Ga. 


George Kinard . 

. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Eliz. Kinard . 

. 12 


Ga. 


Nancy Kinard . 

. 10 


Ga. 


Martin Kinard . 

. 8 


Ga. 


Sela Kinard . 

. 6 


Ga. 


Lydia Kinard . 

. 5 


Ga. 


David Kinard . 

. 2 


Ga. 

96. 

Thos. Monegan. 

. 48 

Ditcher 

Ireland 


Sarah Monegan . 

. 37 


Ga. 


Sarah Hagan . 

. 18 

Domestic 

Ga. 

97. 

John Lawson. 

. 77 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Harriet Lawson . 

. 53 


Ga. 

98. 

James R. Douglas. 

.... 32 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Maria Douglas . 

. 39 


Ga. 


Mary A. Douglas. 

. 13 


Ga. 


Geo. W. Wilkes. 

. 11 


Fla. 

99. 

John M. Livingston. 

.. 32 


Ga. 


Nancy Livingston. 

.. 31 


Ga. 


Nancy N. Livingston .... 

.. 10 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


131 


Name 

Samuel E. Livingston 
John M. Livingston. .. 
(Unnamed) Livingston ... 
Love D. A. P. Livingston 

100. Benj. Weeks . 

Sarah Weeks . 

Josiah Weeks . 

Sarah A. Weeks. 

Julia A. Weeks. 

Michael L. Weeks. 

Samson Weeks . 

Benj. C. Weeks. 

Mary E. Weeks. 

Paton P. Weeks. 

Thos. J. Weeks. 

Flornoy Weeks . 

101. Michael Weeks . 

Malichi NeSmith . 

Susan L. NeSmith. 

102. John D. Dawson. 

Rhoda Dawson . 

Samuel D. Dawson. 

Alston Rivers . 

William E. Rivers. 

103. Geo. W. Hearndon. 

Anna Weeks . 

104. Thos. Weeks . 

Sarah B. Weeks. 

James W. Weeks. 

105. Wm. C. Bennet. 

Piety Bennet. 

Thos. A. Bennet. 

Wm. C. Bennet. 


\ge 

Occupation Birth-place 

9 


Ga. 

7 


Ga. 

3 

(Female) 

Ga. 

1 


Ga. 

40 

Farmer 

Ga. 

39 


Ga. 

16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

14 


Ga. 

13 


Ga. 

12 


Ga. 

11 


Ga. 

10 


Ga. 

6 


Ga. 

3 


Ga. 

2 


Ga. 

1 


Ga. 

75 

Past-laborer 

S. C. 

27 

Farmer 

Ga. 

24 


Ga. 

56 

Farmer 

S.C. 

47 


Ga. 

26 


Ga. 

28 

School teacher 

S.C. 

11 


Ga. 

27 


Ga. 

44 

Domestic 

Ga. 

47 

Farmer 

Ga. 

46 


S. c. 

14 


Ga. 

35 

Farmer 

S. C. 

24 


Ga. 

5 


Ga. 

2 


Ga. 



































132 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

106. 

James Weeks . 

.. 25 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Charles P. Weeks. 

. 23 

Farmer 

Ga. 

107. 

Solomon P. Mims.. 

.. 31 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah A. Mims.. 

.. 28 


N. C. 


Henry M. Mims. 

.. 3 


Ga. 


Joseph J. Mims. 

.. 2 


Ga. 


Eliz. J. Mims.. 

...9/12 


Ga. 


Henry C. Quitt. 

.. 14 


N. C. 

108. 

Joseph Mims . 

. 78 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Elfira Mims . 

. 65 


N. C. 

109. 

Matthew Mims . 

.. 40 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Mary Ann Mims. 

.. 34 


Ga. 


David W. Mims. 

.. 13 


Ga. 


Sarah A. E. Mims. 

.. 11 


Ga. 


Mary C. Mims.. 

.. 10 


Ga. 


Emily Mims . 

.. 6 


Ga. 


Julia A. Mims. 

.. 4 


Ga. 


Wm. J. Mims. 

.. 2 


Ga. 


Laurana Mims . 

. 34 

Domestic 

Ga. 

110. 

Wm. R. Dawson. 

.. .. 47 

F armer 

S. C. 


Richard P. Dawson. 

. .. 55 

Farm laborer 

S. c. 


Nancy Dawson . 

. 25 


Ga. 


Virgil T. Dawson. 

. 3 


Ga. 


William R. Dawson. 

....2/12 


Ga. 

111. 

Andrew Dorman . 

. 49 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Susan Dorman . 

. 39 


Ga. 


Louisa Dorman . 

. 20 


Ga. 


George W. Dorman. 

.. 19 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Daniel A. Dorman. 

. 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Martha E. Dorman. 

. 15 


Ga. 


Benanel B. Dorman. 

. 13 


Ga. 


Henry C. Dorman. 

. 11 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


133 


Name 

Age Occupation Birth- 

PLACE 

Sarah R. Dorman. 

. 9 

Ga. 

William T. Dorman. 

. 7 

Ga. 

Joseph N. Dorman. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Harriet M. E. Dorman.... 

. 2 

Ga. 

John A. Tillman. 

........ 20 Farmer 

Ga. 

Harriet Tillman . 

. 18 

Ga. 

George W. Baker. 


Ga. 

Lucinda Baker . 

........ 40 

Ga. 

Maria Baker . 

.... ... 23 

Ga. 

Wm. W. Baker. 


Ga. 

Emily Baker . 

........ 19 

Ga. 

Jordan Baker . 

. 17 Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Polly Baker . 

.. 14 

Ga. 

Missouri Baker . 

.. 12 

Ga. 

John Baker . 

. 10 

Ga. 

Susan Baker . 

. 8 

G$. 

Lucinda Baker . 

.. 6 

Ga. 

Kansas Baker . 

.. 4 

Ga. 

James B. Baker. 

. 1 

Ga. 

Moses C. Norman. 

. 34 Blacksmith 

Ga. 

Louisa Norman . 

. 24 

Ga. 

Ruth E. Norman. 

. 7 

Ga. 

James M. Norman.. 

. 6 

Ga. 

Wm. H. H. Norman. 

. 5 

Ga. 

Martha J. Norman. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Dica A. Norman. 

. 2 

Ga. 

Jessie F. Norman. 

.. 1 

Ga. 

Martha Norman . 

29 Domestic 

Ga. 

William J. Norman. 

. 1 

Ga. 

Martha A. N. Norman ... 

.4/12 

Ga. 

James M. Norman. 

65 Farmer 

Ga. 

Ruth Norman . 

. 60 

S.C. 


































134 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Zilpha R. Norman 
Harrison Norman 

Nancy E. Norman. 

Joel S. Norman. 

116. Willis Jordan . 

Aurena Jordan . 

Disa C. R. Jordan. 

Jonathan J. T. Jordan 

Arcada Jordan . 

Joseph E. H. Jordan.... 
Patsy E. Jordan. 

117. Burell A. Baker. 

Disa A. R. Baker. 

118. Matthew C. Dukes. 

Julia Ann Dukes. 

Matthew M. Dukes. 

Julia Ann Dukes. 

Phebe J. Dukes. 

Pelatin Dukes. 

Emaline A. Dukes. 

119. Wm. B. Robinson. 

Eliz. Robinson . 

Wm. T. Robinson. 

John Johnson . 

Hamit Johnson . 

120. Isaac C. Smith. 

Lydia M. J. Smith. 

121. Saul Mercer . 

Martha Mercer . 

James Mercer . 

Susan Mercer . 


Age Occupation Birth-place 


24 


Ga. 

19 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

16 


Ga. 

21 

Wheelwright 

Ga. 

46 

Laborer 

Ga. 

36 


Ga. 

11 


Ga. 

8 


Ga. 

7 


Ga. 

6 


Ga. 

1 


Ga. 

25 

Farmer 

Ga. 

27 


Ga. 

55 

Farmer 

Ga. 

52 


N.C. 

22 


Ga. 

18 


Ga. 

16 


Ga. 

13 


Ga. 

12 


Ga. 

39 

Farmer 

Ga. 

55 


S.C. 

13 


Ga. 

83 

Methodist Es. 

Hanover 

30 

Domestic 

s. c. 

28 

Farmer 

Ga. 

28 


Ga. 

41 

Farmer 

Ga. 

33 


Ga. 

16 


Ga. 

13 


Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


135 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth- 

PLACE 


Cordelia Mercer . 

. 11 


Ga. 


Benj. W. Mercer. 

. 9 


Ga. 


Mary Ann Mercer. 

........ 7 


Ga. 


Roxy A. E. Mercer. 

. 4 


Ga. 


Laura J. Mercer. 

........ 2 


Ga. 


Noah Mercer . 

.9/12 


Ga. 

122. 

John Mercer . 

. 32 

Laborer 

Ga. 


Amanda Mercer . 

.. 26 


Ga. 


Sarah F. Mercer. 

. 4 


Ga. 

123. 

Jane Gay . 

. 60 


Ga. 


Matthew Gay . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Mary J. Gay. 

. 17 


Ga. 


James W. Bloodworth .... 

. 13 


Ga. 

124. 

John Tillman . 

. 60 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah Tillman . 

. 55 


N. C. 


Rachel Tillman . 

. 16 


Ga. 


James H. Tillman. 

. 15 

Laborer 

Ga. 


Susan J. Tillman. 

. 12 


Ga. 


Georgia A. E. Tillman.... 

. 10 


Ga. 


Roxy Ann Tillman.. 

. 5 


Ga. 


Fariba Mercer . 

. 90 


N.C. 


Leroy Mauldin . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

125. 

John S. Williamson. 

. 29 

Blacksmith 

N. C. 


Mary E. Williamson. 

. 23 


Ga. 

126. 

James Robinson . 

. 60 

Farmer 

S.C. 


Martha Robinson . 

. 60 


s. c. 


Susan Robinson . 

. 19 

% 

Ga. 


Lucy Robinson . 

. 17 


Ga. 


James Mercer . 

. 11 


Ga. 

127. 

James J. Robinson. 

. 25 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Sarah Robinson . 

. 21 


Fla. 

































136 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

128. Stuart S. May. 
Susannah May 
Rusheon May . 

Mary W. May. 

William W. May. 

John A. May. 

Lindsey M. L. A. May. 

Joel C. May. 

Edmund May . 

129. Joshua Tillman . 

Mary Tillman . 

Joshua J. Tillman. 

Richard E. Tillman .... 

Berry J. Tillman. 

Eliz. A. J. Tillman. 

Absalom Tillman . 

Joseph T. Tillman. 

Nathaniel J. Tillman.. 
Georgia A. L. Tillman 

130. Joshua Lee . 

Nancy Lee ... 

Frances M. Lee. 

Hepsy Lee . 

Asenath Lee .. 

131. John W. Robinson. 

Mary Robinson . 

Charles Robinson . 

Mary Robinson . 

John Robinson . 

132. Philip Hiers .. 

Kesiah Hiers . 

Solomon Hiers . 


Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

. 39 

Farmer 

Ga. 

. 39 


Ga. 

. 19 


Ga. 

. 14 


Ga. 

. 11 


Ga. 

. 8 


Ga. 

. 6 


Ga. 

. 3 


Ga. 

. 1 


Ga. 

. 50 

Farmer 

Ga. 

. 48 


Ga. 

. 25 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

. 19 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

. 15 


Ga. 

. 14 


Ga. 

. 12 


Ga. 

. 10 


Ga. 

. 8 


Ga. 

. 72 


N. C. 

. 60 


N. C. 

. 24 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

. 22 


Ga. 

. 21 


Ga. 

. 26 

Farmer 

Ga. 

. 25 


Ga. 

. 8 


Ga. 

. 6 


Ga. 

. 4 


Ga. 

. 66 

Farmer 

S. C. 

. 56 


s. c. 

. 23 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


137 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth- 

PLACE 


Rebecca A. Hiers.. 

. 18 


Ga. 


Eliza Hiers . 

. 17 


Ga. 


Michael Hiers . 

..... .. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Martha A. E. Hiers. 

. 13 


Ga. 

133. 

Durham Hancock . 

.. 73 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Mary Ann Hancock_ 

. 50 


N. C. 

134. 

James W. Hiers. 

. 21 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Rachel Ann Hiers. 

. 22 


Ga. 


Mary A. K. Hiers. 

.7/12 


Ga. 

135. 

Joshua Brownin . 

.. 66 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Lydia Brownin . 

. 56 


Ga. 


Eliz. Brownin .... 

. 23 


Ga. 


Sarah Brownin . 

. 15 


Ga. 


Charles Brownin .. 

.. 2 


Ga. 


Elbert Brownin . 

. 2 


Ga. 

136. 

Daniel Hiers . 

. 25 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Phebe Hiers ... 

. 25 


N. C. 


Andrew H. Hiers. 

. 3 


Fla. 


James E. Hiers... 

.. 2 


Fla. 


Daniel C. Hiers.... 

.2/12 


Ga. 


Louisa Dorman . 

. 20 

Domestic 

Ga. 

137. 

Lucius M. Wingate. 

. 23 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Eliz. Wingate . 

. 63 


N. C. 


Ann M. Wingate. 

. 29 


N. C. 

138. 

John T. Norman. 

.. 30 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Nancy Norman . 

.. 25 


Ga. 


Sallie A. Norman. 

.. 6 


Ga. 


Vena Norman .. 

. 5 


Ga. 


Eliz. Norman . 

. 3 


Ga. 


James W. Norman. 

. 1 


Ga. 


Joseph Harrison . 

. 33 


N.C. 

































138 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

Jchn A. Alderman. 

. 32 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Emily S. Alderman. 

. 33 


Ga. 

Nancy A. R. Alderman. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Sarah A. Alderman. 

. 9 


Ga. 

William J. Alderman. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Susan A. Alderman. 

. 6 


Ga. 

John A. Alderman.. 

. 4 


Ga. 

Disa E. Alderman. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Daniel H. Alderman. 

. 1 


Ga. 

John W. Weldon. 

. 43 


Ga. 

Eliz. Weldon . 

. 26 


Ga. 

John J. Weldon. 

. 8 


Ga. 

Henry E. Weldon. 

. 2 


Ga. 

Nancy J. Weldon. 

...6/12 


Ga. 

Jacob H. Croft. 

. 25 


S.C. 

Jerona A. Croft. 

. 19 


Ga. 

Jacob H. Croft. 

.. 5 


Ga. 

Neal Brownin . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Chas. A. Hiers. 

.. .... 35 

Farmer 

S. C. 

Mary A. Hiers. 

. 31 


Ga. 

Nancy Ann Hiers. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Mary Ann Hiers. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Philip P. Hiers. 

. 8 


Ga. 

Angeline Hiers . 

. 6 


Ga. 

Lucy Ann Hiers. 

. 4 


Ga. 

Matthew Hiers ... 

. 3 


Ga. 

Susan Hiers .. 

. 2 


Ga. 

George W. Croft. 

. 26 

Farm laborer 

S. C. 

Sarah Croft . 

. 32 


S. C. 

Georgia Ann Hunter. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Berrien Croft . 

. 3 


Ga. 

Mary C. Croft. 

. 2 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


139 


Name 

144. David B. Norman. 
Susannah Norman 
David V. A. Norman 
Aaron A. Norman .... 
Nancy Ann Norman.. 

Moses X. Norman. 

Roxy A. C. Norman.. 
Susannah C. Norman 
(Unnamed) Norman 

145. John Manning . 

Eliza Manning . 

William Manning . 

Haywood Manning ... 

Nancy A. Manning. 

Louisa Manning . 

Jackson Manning . 

146. William W. Burgess... 

Susan C. Burgess. 

William T. Burgess... 

147. Chas. H. Johnson.. 

Eliz. Johnson . 

Mary E. Johnson. 

Jonathan J. Johnson... 
Margaret Godwin . 

148. Eliab Roberts . 

Sarah A. Roberts. 

Mary A. Roberts. 

Alderman Roberts . 

149. Nathaniel Croft . 

Mary A. Croft. 

Eliz. Croft . 

Wm. N. Croft. 


Age Occupation Birth-place 


37 Farmer Ga. 

37 S. C. 

13 Ga. 

11 Fla. 

10 Fla. 

8 Fla. 

6 Ga. 

4 Ga. 

1 Ga. 

33 Farmer Ga. 

28 Ga. 

11 Ga. 

8 Ga. 

5 Ga. 

4 Ga. 

2 Ga. 

25 Farmer Ga. 

20 S. C. 

2 Ga. 

70 Farmer England 

62 Ga. 

18 Ga. 

16 Ga. 

30 Seamstress Ga. 

33 Farm laborer Ga. 

27 Ga. 

10 Ga. 

8 Ga. 

50 Farmer S. C. 

45 S. C. 

21 S.C. 

18 Farm laborer S. C. 


































140 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age Occupation Birth-place 

Frances M. Croft. 

. 15 Farm laborer 

S.C. 

Henry J. Croft. 

........ 13 

s. c. 

Jacob J. R. Croft. 

....... 11 

Ga. 

John D. C. Croft. 

........ 9 

Ga. 

Janies H. Croft. 

........ 7 

Ga. 

Robert C. Croft. 

........ 5 

Ga. 

Sarah A. V. Croft . 

........ 3 

Ga. 

Leroy E. Croft. 

. 2 

Ga. 

Martin S. Croft. 

....... 1 

Ga. 

John N. Croft. 

.. ..... 25 Laborer 

S. C. 

Martha A. Croft.. 

.. ..... 23 

S. C. 

David N. Croft.... 

.-9/12 

Ga. 

Susan Thompson . 

........ 37 Free Negro cook 

Ga. 

William Thompson . 

. 21 Free Negro waggoner Ga. 

Delia Thompson .. 

.. 18 F. N. field hand 

Ga. 

Arthur Thompson . 

.. 16 F. N. 

Ga. 

Charles Thompson . 

. 14 F.N. 

Ga. 

Moses Thompson . 

_ 12 F.N. 

Ga. 

Ruffin Thompson . 

. 10 F.N. 

Ga. 

Ruben Thompson . 

. 7 F.N. 

Ga. 

Joseph Thompson . 

. 3 F.N. 

Ga. 

James Thompson . 

.7/12 

Ga. 

Mitchell J. Alderman. 

. 22 Farmer 

Ga. 

Mary D. Alderman. 

. 18 

Ga. 

Jonah Alderman . 

.6/12 

Ga. 

George F. Hearndon. 

. 45 Farmer 

Ga. 

Eda Hearndon . 

. 34 

N. C. 

John W. Hearndon. 

. 15 Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Eliz. A. C. Hearndon. 

. 13 

Ga. 

Martha A. Hearndon. 

.. 9 

Ga. 

James F. Hearndon. 

. 4 

Ga. 

Mary M. Hearndon. 

.. 2 

Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


141 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth- 

■PLACE 

John A. Pope. 

.. 36 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Nancy Pope . 

.. 34 


Ga. 

Elender E. Pope..... 

.. 6 


Ga. 

James W. Pope. 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Francis J. Pope.. 

......... 1 


Ga. 

Wesley Pope . 

. 23 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Mary J. Pope .. 

. 23 


Ga. 

Willis W. Pope. 

. 4 


Ga. 

Horace J. Pope... 

.. 1 


Ga. 

Joseph D. Hicks. 

.. 37 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Mosely J. Hicks.. 

.. 61 

Farmer 

N. C. 

James J. Hicks. 

. 28 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Amanda C. Hicks. 

.. 25 


Ga. 

Asa Lewis . 

.. 27 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Nancy Lewis . 

. 25 


Ga. 

Susan Lewis . 

. 2 


Ga. 

William H. Lewis. 

.8/12 


Ga. 

John Selph . 

.. 51 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Sarah A. Selph. 

.. 25 


Ga. 

George W. Selph.. 

.. 25 

Carpenter 

Ga. 

John W. Selph. 

. 22 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Polly Selph . 

. 21 


Ga. 

Thomas Selph . 

. 18 


Ga. 

James Selph . 

. 16 


Ga. 

Samuel Selph . 

. 13 


Ga. 

Warren Selph .. 

. 11 


Ga. 

Sarah Selph ... 

. 9 


Ga. 

Jessie Selph . 

. 6 


Ga. 

Nancy E. Selph. 

.5/12 


Ga. 

Georgia Ann Barwick.... 

. 41 

Seamstress 

Ga. 

Henry C. Barwick—. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Martha Ann Barwick. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Susan Barwick . 

. 4 


Ga. 



































142 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

William Murphy . 

. 37 


N. C. 

Hester Murphy . 

. 30 


Ga. 

Henry T. Murphy. 

. 9 


Ga. 

Sallie A. Murphy. 

. 6 


Ga. 

Bird Murphy . 

. 3 


Ga. 

Isaac Murphy . 

. 2 


Ga. 

Eliz. A. Murphy. 

..1/12 


Ga. 

Eliz. Sloan . 

. 21 


Ga. 

David Sloan . 

. 17 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Calvin Murphy . 

. 34 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Mary E. Murphy. 

. 30 


Ga. 

Phebe Murphy . 

.. 13 


Ga. 

Benj. Murphy . 

. 12 


Ga. 

Nancy Murphy . 

. 11 


Ga. 

William Murphy . 

. 8 


Ga. 

Perry Murphy . 

.. 6 


Ga. 

Shadrach Murphy . 

. 3 


Ga. 

Martha Murphy . 

. 1 


Ga. 

James Murphy . 

. 32 

F armer 

N. C. 

Eliz. Murphy . 

. 21 


Ga. 

Calvin Murphy . 

. 4 


Ga. 

Eliz. J. Murphy. 

. 2 


Ga. 

William P. Murphy. 

. 10/12 


Ga. 

Jeptha Turner . 

. 13 


Ga. 

Martha Turner . 

. 15 


Ga. 

James Brown . 

. 30 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliza Brown . 

. 30 


Ga. 

Andrew Brown . 

. 7 


Ga. 

Edmund D. Brown. 

. 10/12 


Ga. 

Nathan Barwick . 

. 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Shadrack Wells . 

. 63 

Farmer 

N.C. 

Phebe Wells . 

. 51 


N. C. 

John W. Wells. 

. 25 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 



































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


143 


Name 

165. Henry Murphy _ 

Mahalie Goff __ 

Isaiah Goff . 

Butler Williams _ 

166. John W. Kelly.. 

Martha M. Kelly_ 

James I. Kelly. 

Eliza Ann Kelly.. 

Martha E. Kelly.... 

Missouri Kelly . 

Harriet E. Kelly_ 

John T. Kelly. 

Susan Kelly .. 

Timothy Kelly .. 

Saphrona Kelly _ 

167. Henry Murphy, Jr. 

Elender Murphy . 

William P. Murphy ... 

Eleazer Murphy . 

Sarah W. Murphy. 

David J. Murphy_ 

James Turner . 

168. Shadrack Beasley ..... 

Sophia Beasley - 

Florence A. Beasley... 
Mary F. Beasley... 

169. John A. Hancock_ 

Eliza Hancock _ 

Mary E. Hancock_ 

170. John Hancock .. 

Eliza Hancock _ 

Thos. Hancock _ 


Occupation Birth 

-PLACE 

Farmer 

N.C. 


N. C. 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Farm laborer 

S. C. 

Farmer 

s.c. 


s. c. 

Farm laborer 

s. c. 


Ala. 


Ala. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

N.C. 


N. C. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farm laborer 

Ala. 

Laborer 

S. C. 


Ga. 


Fla. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Ga. 


Ga. 

Farmer 

N.C. 


Ga. 


Ga. 


Age 

. 63 

. 42 

. 19 

18 

. 47 

48 

22 

20 

19 

17 

15 

13 

11 

9 

7 

55 

39 

16 

12 

7 

3 

25 

30 

29 

4 

1 

24 

19 

1 

63 

45 

12 

































144 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

John Hancock, Jr. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Mitchell Hancock _ 

. 6 


Ga. 

Taylor Hancock . 

. 2 


Ga. 

(Unnamed) Hancock ... 

.1/12 


Ga. 

Levi Cox . 

. 48 

Farmer 

N. C. 

Polly Cox . 

. 30 


N.C. 

Ellen Cox . 

. 17 


Ga. 

Jasper Cox . 

.. . 15 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Jackson Cox . 

. . 10 


Ga. 

Sally Cox . 

. 8 


Ga. 

Eliza Cox . 

. 6 


Ga. 

Nancy P. Cox. 

. 3 


Ga. 

William F. Cox. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Seaborn Willis . 

. 28 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Thos. White .. 

...... . 54 

Farmer 

S. C. 

Martha White . 

.. 41 


Ga. 

Matthew White . 

. 15 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Susan White . 

. 13 


Ga. 

Frances White . 

.. 11 


Ga. 

Adeline White .. 

.. 9 


Ga. 

Victoria White .. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Nancy E. White. 

. 2 


Ga. 

James Hancock . 

. . 26 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Susan Hancock . 

.. 20 


Ga. 

Fielding G. Suber.. 

. 30 

Farmer 

S. C. 

Emily Suber . 

. . 24 


Ga. 

William Suber . 

.. 4 


Ga. 

Harrison E. Suber. 

.. 28 

Farm laborer 

S. C. 

Mary Suber . 

. 26 


Ga. 

Charles Suber . 

. 3 


Ga. 

William Suber . 

. 1 


Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


145 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

Archibald Lee . 

. 72 

Farmer 

S. C. 

Jeptha Lee . 

. 31 

Methodist 

Ga. 

Eliza A. Lee. 

. 20 


Ga. 

Jonathan Lee . 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Matilda S. Lee. 

. 4 


Ga. 

James S. Barrow. 

. 40 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Benetia A. Barrow. 

. 30 


Ga. 

Marg. A. E. Barrow. 

. 17 


Ga. 

Tamar Barrow . 

. 13 


Ga. 

James G. T. Barrow. 

. 11 


Ga. 

John W. Barrow... 

. 7 


Ga. 

Wm. A. Barrow. 

. 3 


Ga. 

Martha H. Barrow. 

. 1 


Ga. 

Lafayette A. Barrow. 

...... 1/12 


Ga. 

Wm. Barwick . 

. 34 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Sarah A. E. Barwick. 

. 32 


Ga. 

Sarah A. W. Barwick. 

. 14 


Ga. 

Almeea S. Barwick. 

. 10 


Ga. 

Elbert A. Barwick. 

. 8 


Ga. 

Theodore A. Barwick. 

. 6 


Ga. 

Emma E. Barwick. 

. 4 


Ga. 

James M. Barwick. 

. 2 


Ga. 

Wm. Alligood . 

.. 33 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliza Alligood __ 

.. 32 


Ga. 

Mary Alligood . 

.. 8 


Ga. 

Robert H. Alligood. 

. 4 


Ga. 

(Unnamed) Alligood .... 

.4/12 


Ga. 

Jacob Resencranse . 

. 50 

Farmer 

Switzerland 

Joseph A. Resencranse.... 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Switzerland 

Barbara Resencranse . 

. 14 


Ga. 

Henry Resencranse . 

. 10 


Ga. 

Julia A. Resencranse. 

. 8 


Ga. 


































146 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

181. 

Jared I. Gandy. 

.. 21 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Mary M. Gandy . 

.. 22 

Switzerland 


Idealilly Gandy -- 

.1/12 


Ga. 

182. 

Murphy Lanier ... 

- -.. .. 55 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Temple Lanier .. 

.. 48 


N.C. 


John Lanier ... 

.. 23 

Blacksmith 

Ga. 


Hardy Lanier ___ 

.. 21 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Gibson Lanier .. 

. 19 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Thomas Lanier _ 

... 16 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Timothy Lanier .. 

.. 14 


Ga. 


Marion B. Lanier_ 

........... 9 


Ga. 

183. 

Thos. J. Stansill_ 

.. 23 

Farmer 

Ga. 

184. 

James M. Gunn. 

.. 22 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 


Nancy Gunn ... 

.. 16 


Ga. 

185. 

John B. Harris.. 

.. 25 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Desdemona Harris _ 

.. 23 


Ga. 


Joseph B. Harris_ 

_ 5 


Ga. 


Nancy J. Harris. 

. 3 


Ga. 


Rufus C. Harris ... 

.. 1 


Ga. 

186. 

Reason J. Marlow. 

.. 37 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 


Laura J. Marlow. 

-. 25 


Ga. 


Martha E. Marlow. 

.11/12 


Ga. 

187. 

Harriet E. Mauldin_ 

.. 51 

Seamstress 

Ga. 


America Mauldin _ 

. 17 


Ga. 


Richard Mauldin _ 

.. 16 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 


Samuel Mauldin . 

. 15 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

188. 

Geo. W. Evans. 

.. 48 

Miller—steam mill 

Ga. 


Olive Evans ... 

... 41 


Ga. 


John B. Evans. 

.. 21 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 


Zilpha Evans . 

.. 19 


Ga. 


James Evans .. 

. 17 


Ga. 

































THE CENSUS OF 1860 


147 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

Daniel Evans .. 

. 15 


Ga. 

Sarah Ann Evans.. 

. 12 


Ga. 

Joseph R. E. Evans. 

. 9 


Ga. 

Eli W. Evans. 

. 7 


Ga. 

Mary M. Evans. 

. 4 


Ga. 

George P. Evans. 

.. 1 


Ga. 

Joel S. Graves__ 

.. 48 

0. S. P. 

Vt. 

Eunice Graves ... 

-,... 47 


N. Y. 

Roxianne Graves .. 

- ... 22 

Teacher common s. 

Fla. 

Nathan Graves ... 

--.... 17 

Farm laborer 

Fla. 

Spencer Graves . 

--.... 16 

Farm laborer 

Fla. 

Charles Graves .. 

--.... 13 


Fla. 

Cherry H. Graves.. 

........ 11 


Ga. 

Cyrus Graves . 

........ 8 


Ga. 

Alice Graves . 

........ 4 


Ga. 

Ruth Graves . 

--.... 57 

School teacher 

Vt. 

Sarah Thompson . 

........ 21 


Fla. 

William J. Thompson .... 

...... 1 


Ga. 

Eliza Franklin . 

........ 14 


Ga. 

Lucy Franklin ... 

.. 10 


Ga. 

Gilford Kent ... 

. 22 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 

Martha Kent .. 

. ...... 22 


Ga. 

James N. Kent. 

.7/12 


Ga. 

James McMullin . 

. 23 

Steam mill hand 

Ga. 

Sarah McMullin . 

. 29 


Ga. 

Emily McMullin . 

. 1 


Ga. 

Wright Flowers . 

. 58 

Farmer 

Ga. 

Eliz. Flowers . 

. 57 


Ga. 

Oliver N. Flowers... 

. 24 

Farmer 

Ga. 

James B. Flowers. 

.. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

Amanda E. Flowers. 

.. 19 


Ga. 

Wm. Porter . 

. 6 


Ga. 


































148 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth-place 

193. 

Matthew Tucker . 

. 33 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Eliz. Tucker . 

.. 29 


Ga. 


Nancy J. Tucker. 

. 5 


Ga. 


Richard B. Tucker. 

.. 4 


Ga. 


Mary A. Tucker. 

. 1 


Ga. 

194. 

Josiah Johnson . 

. 28 

Wheelwright 

N. C. 


Rebecca M. Johnson. 

.. 24 


Ga. 


Jonah Johnson . 

. 2 


Ga. 


Manda Johnson . 

.3/12 


Ga. 


Elkanah Johnson . 

. 22 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 

195. 

Wm. E. Jordan. 

. 23 

Laborer 

Ga. 


Leonora Jordan . 

. 22 


Ga. 


David Jordan . 

. 2 


Ga. 


Thos. R. Jordan. 

.10/12 


Ga. 

196. 

Jessie Carlton . 

. 55 

Farmer 

N.C. 


Rhoda Carlton . 

. 47 


N. C. 


Thos. Carlton . 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Mary Ann Carlton. 

. 17 


Ga. 


Phebe Carlton . 

. 15 


Ga. 

197. 

Henry Scott .. 

.. 34 

Farmer 

Ga. 


Martha Scott . 

.. 31 


Ga. 


Wm. B. Scott. 

. 14 


Ga. 


Green B. Scott. 

.. 10 


Ga. 


James Scott . 

. 7 


Ga. 


Lawson Scott . 

. 5 


Ga. 


Georgia Ann Scott. 

. 2 


Ga. 


Savannah Scott . 

.2/12 


Ga. 

198. 

Nancy Bryant . 

. 50 


Ga. 


Calvin Bryant . 

. 26 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Martha A. Bryant. 

. 20 


Ga. 


Lavinia Bryant . 

. 17 


Ga. 


































THE CENSUS OF 

1860 

149 


Name 

Age 

Occupation Birth 

■PLACE 


John Bryant .. 

. 15 


Ga. 


Susan J. Bryant.. 

. 12 


Ga. 


Henry B. Bryant. 

. 8 


Ga. 

199. 

William Duggin . 

. 61 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Priscilla Duggin .. 

. 50 


N. C. 


Polly Duggin . 

.. 33 


Ga. 


Martha E. Duggin . 

. 21 


Ga. 


Edmund Duggin . 

. 18 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Sarah J. Duggin. 

.. 17 


Ga. 


Josephine Duggin . 

.. 11 


Ga. 


Susan Duggin . 

. 10 


Ga. 


Rebecca Duggin . 

. 10 


Ga. 


John Duggin . 

. 8 


Ga. 


Francis Duggin . 

. 4 


Ga. 

200. 

John Johnson . 

. 30 

Farmer 

s.c. 


Nancy Johnson . 

. 25 


Ga. 


John Johnson .. 

.. 4 


Ga. 


Nancy Ann Johnson. 

.. 1 


Ga. 


Henry P. Johnson. 

.1/12 


Ga. 


William E. Johnson.. 

. 20 

Farm laborer 

Ga. 


Katherine Johnson .. 

.. 50 

Domestic 

S. C. 

201. 

James M. West. 

... 48 

Farmer 

N. C. 


Katherine West . 

.. 45 


Ga. 


Eliz. Hearndon . 

.. 20 

Domestic 

Ga. 

202. 

Peter 0. Wing. 

. 43 

Ordinary Col. Co. 

Maine 


Eliz. A. Wing. 

. 22 


Ga. 


Sarah Wing .— 

. 2 


Ga. 

203. 

Amos Turner . 

. 59 

Clerk S. Court 

N. C. 

204. 

Moses Thompson . 

.. 51 

Farmer 

Ga. 






























CHAPTER XXI 


Colquitt’s Slaves in 1860 


When the Federal census of 1860 was taken, the only pro¬ 
vision made for counting slaves was a statement of their 
owner and their age and sex. The name of the slave was not 
given at all. 

Under the laws of the State of Georgia, it was forbidden, 
at that time, to teach any member of the negro race to read 
or write. Penalty for infraction of this law was fine for 
white violators and whipping for negro violators. Possibly 
the only reason for counting the slaves at all was to meet 
the provision of the Constitution of the United States for 
additional Congressmen from slave States, based on the 
number of slaves in such States. For this purpose, a slave 
was equal to three-fifths of a white person. 

The census of 1860 shows that at that time 27 slave 
owners owned 110 slaves in Colquitt County—52 males and 
58 females. The largest number of slaves held by any single 
owner was held by Charles H. Johnson, who is shown by this 
census to have been the owner of 24 slaves, occupying three 
slave houses. Mr. Johnson was 70 years old in 1860, and 
he reported that he was born in England. His first years were 
spent “Before the Mast”; and, by the way, he was a con¬ 
temporary of Author Richard H. Dana, the author of “Two 
Years Before the Mast”; and he must have been a very in¬ 
teresting character during the time in which he lived in Col¬ 
quitt. He reported himself to Census Marshal Wing as being 
70 years old in 1860. It is an established fact that after that 
date he lived 26 years. Some of his grandchildren are still 



COLQUITT’S SLAVES IN 1860 


151 


alive and they say that he died in 1886. We believe that he 
has the record for longevity among the males who have lived 
and died in Colquitt County. We have already noticed in 
connection with the census of 1860 that Marshal Wing found 
Sally Hawkins up in the Weeks settlement in Colquitt who 
confessed “up” to being 96 years old. 

Pioneer Johnson is said 
to have had a flair for 
establishing clearings on 
the “bottom lands” of the 
Okapilco Creek which ran 
through his plantation 
down in the southeast cor¬ 
ner of Colquitt. These 
clearings still exist—some 
of them, although they 
have not been farmed for 
more than a generation. Recently some of his grandsons ex¬ 
humed from one such field two plow-points which were in use 
during slavery. We append pictures of these plows—or 
“plow-points” as they would now be called. Fully one-half 
of the original metal content has rusted away. It is believed 
that these are the only existing farming implements ever in 
use in Georgia by slave labor. One of these plows was a 
“half-shovel,” and the other was a “twister.” (The twister is 
the one with the “whing,” as we Crackers sometimes pro¬ 
nounce the word “wing.”) 

We also insert as part of this article a cut of the residence 
erected by Charles H. Johnson in the early 1840’s, which is 
still standing. It was a double log-pen two-story building, 
and for fifty years after its erection was the most pretentious 
residence in the Colquitt County territory. 



Remnants of two hand forged plows made 
on the Johnson Estate in slavery days. 




152 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Finally, we are pleased 
to be able to submit to “all 
and singular,” a cut made 
from a copy of a daguer¬ 
reotype of Pioneer John¬ 
son himself. As will be 
seen, Patriarch Johnson 
was a handsome man in his 
time, reminding one of 
George Washington. We 
are very glad to have ob¬ 
tained this photograph 
which comes to us through 
the courtesy of Mrs. Enoch 
Vann, a granddaughter of 
Mr. Johnson. 





CHARLES H. JOHNSON 


The Johnson Residence in 1840. From free hand drawing made by M. Steeple 
of Augusta, during the civil war. 







CHAPTER XXII 


The Georgia-Northern Railway 


From 1818, the date of the Jackson-Seminole Treaty, ceding 
Southwest Georgia to Georgia, to the year 1893, stretches 
three-quarters of a century, and during this period Colquitt 
County made practically no progress. On the day this is 
written (June 10, 1936), we interviewed a grandson of one 
of the Colquitt pioneers who came here in 1836. This 
pioneer was not illiterate when he came here from North 
Carolina, but could read and write. The interviewed grand¬ 
son is eighty years old, and cannot read or write. Of course 
conditions as to education began to improve a little with the 
establishment of Georgia’s public school system, so that prac¬ 
tically every one born since 1870 can read and write at least 
a little. 

The thing that happened to change all things in Colquitt 
County was the shriek of a locomotive’s whistle, sounding 
at the county-site on February 26, 1893. On that date C. W. 
Pidcock drove the first train into Moultrie, on tracks just 
completed from Pidcock, a station on the A. C. L. Ry., 
thirty miles to the south. 

This event has been the most important thing that has hap¬ 
pened to the Colquitt territory since the Indians, under Jack¬ 
son’s iron pressure, gave away twenty counties to Georgia. 
Here is how this boon to Colquitt came to pass. 

On June 6, 1892, C. W. Pidcock, and his father, the late 
Hon. James Nelson Pidcock, organized the Boston and Albany 
Rail Road Co. Together they met some local business men 
in Boston, Ga., who owned a legislative charter for the “Bos¬ 
ton and Albany Rail Road Co.,” although nothing had been 
done toward its construction by the owners. The Pidcocks, 



154 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


father and son, on the 6th day of June, 1892, organized the 
Boston and Albany Railroad Co., naming the late James N. 
Pidcock, the father of C. W. Pidcock, president; Mr. R. 
Mallette, vice-president, and C. W. Pidcock, secretary-treas¬ 
urer and superintendent. After this organization, the Bos¬ 
ton and Albany Railroad Co., purchased the logging tram 
of the Quitman Lumber Co., which tram line extended from 
a small station on the A. C. L. a few miles east of Boston, 
called “Pidcock,” to Hollis, Ga., a distance of twelve miles 
to the North. This tram-line track they rebuilt, and ex¬ 
tended it to Moultrie, Ga., entering Moultrie on the 26th 
day of the month of February, 1893, Superintendent 
Pidcock acting as engineer, and E. N. Phelps acting as con¬ 
ductor of this, the first train ever brought into Moultrie from 
any source. The town had at that time some two or three 
hundred inhabitants. 

The Boston and Albany Rail Road Co., passed into receiv¬ 
ership during the big panic in June, 1893; however, Mr. 
C. W. Pidcock’s services were retained by the receiver in the 
capacity of superintendent until in October, 1894, it was 
purchased at receiver’s sale by James N. Pidcock, Jr., who 
re-organized it in the same year, as the “Georgia-Northern 
Railway Company.” Mr. J. N. Pidcock, Jr., became presi¬ 
dent under this re-organization, and served until 1897, when 
his brother, the late John F. Pidcock, succeeded him as presi¬ 
dent and served in that capacity until his death in January, 
1902. 

J. N. Pidcock, Jr., then again became president of the 
Georgia-Northern Railway Co., and so continued to be until 
January, 1906, when he sold his Georgia-Northern Railway 
interests to C. W. Pidcock, who continued to be such presi¬ 
dent until the date of his death, December 18, 1935. 

During all the years of his connection with the Georgia- 
Northern Railway Co., President Pidcock served it with 



C. W. PIDCOCK, SR 






156 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


never-tiring energy, especially during the years when he was 
its chief executive. He was possessed of a knowledge of 
railroading that few men possessed, being both a theoretical 
man as well as extremely practical. Mr. Pidcock, during 
his more than four decades of service to the railroad that he 
built, acted in every capacity except that of an operator, hav¬ 
ing been at times, secretary-treasurer, superintendent, gen¬ 
eral superintendent, vice-president and general manager, 
conductor, roadmaster, engineer and traffic manager. Mr. 
C. W. Pidcock and his father, J. N. Pidcock, Sr., were 
the pioneer railroad men in Colquitt County and were the 
first men to ever foresee the commercial possibilities of the 
county and of the whole of Southwest Georgia; and Mr. 
C. W. Pidcock’s connection with the development of the rail¬ 
road involved the services of practically his whole life-time. 

As has already been said hereinabove, Mr. C. W. Pidcock 
died on December 18, 1935. He was succeeded as presi¬ 
dent and general manager of the Georgia-Northern Railway 
by his young son, C. W. Pidcock, Jr., a position which he 
still holds. The remainder of the official set-up as of the 
present date, February 20, 1937, is as follows: 

F. R. Pidcock, Sr., Executive Vice-President. 

Mrs. Besse P. Pidcock, Treasurer. 

F. R. Pidcock, lr., Secretary. 

Ed H. Lewis, General Freight and Passenger Agent. 

1. F. Hatfield, Superintendent. 

I. C. Johnson, Auditor. 

J. D. Weston, Jr., General Agent. 

J. R. Hackett, Jr., General Agent. 

L. G. Cox, Train Master and Car Accountant. 

C. B. Patterson, Master Mechanic. 

H. F. Hatcher, Commercial Agent. 

The Georgia-Northern Railway Co., and its owners have 
logically participated in the general prosperity of the com¬ 
munity, a prosperity which has resulted largely from the 


THE GEORGIA-NORTHERN RAILWAY 


157 


courageous foresight of the members of the Pidcock family. 
Of course the Georgia-Northern Railway Co., and its owners 
have stressed the transportation business, hut they have known 
always that their business not only tends to build up basic 
industries but is itself built up and supported by such indus¬ 
tries; so they have always accepted suggestion of their Col¬ 
quitt County neighbors and customers that they contribute of 
their money and leadership to community enterprises of a 
worthy nature. Moultrie had its first growth as soon as the 
Georgia-Northern reached Moultrie. The town had at that 
time a population of 150. In 1900, it had 2,000. In 1920, 
the population of the City of Moultrie was a little less than 
7,000. At the present date, February 20, 1937, the popu¬ 
lation of the city including its suburbs is the rise of 14,000 
souls. During all the railroad’s existence its relations with 
its employees have always been of the most cordial and 
friendly nature and there has never been a strike among its 
laborers. 


CHAPTER XXIII 


Moultrie Speaks 


We here refer to a kind of advertisement printed on map 
paper, in size about 18" x 30", and gotten out in 1895, a 
copy of which is in our possession at this time. The center 
of this ad is a cut of the second courthouse of Colquitt County, 
which is surrounded by printed matter, setting out the ad¬ 
vantages of Moultrie and Colquitt County. We attach a copy 
of this ad at the end of this chapter. We think it is a “hot” 
piece of advertising. Moultrie and Colquitt have had many 
a special trade edition since this advertisement; but it sets 
a swift pace, it will be admitted. 

In a border of this ad appears a few advertising items 
worthy of being set forth here: 

“Pearsall and Shipp” deal in Law and Collections. 

“The Moultrie Observer” holds itself out as the “leading 
newspaper in South Georgia,” doing this through “W. H. 
Cooper, editor, publisher and proprietor.” Founder, too ; of 
Colquitt’s first newspaper. 

“A. M. Tyler and Co.” advertise “A complete line of cloth¬ 
ing, hats, shoes and groceries.” 

“J. J. Walker, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law,” will take 
a case in any kind of court. 

“W. H. Cooper” will sell a few lots, as a sideline to his 
newspaper work. 

“Christian Wurst” is a blacksmith. 

“H. B. Lester” is a lawyer. 

“R. C. Ingalls” sells timber and lands. 



MOULTRIE SPEAKS 


159 


“The Central House” is, quite appropriately, “centrally 
located,” being run on the present site of the Norman Hotel, 
by Mrs. J. L. Peeples, a sister-in-law of Mr. D. A. Autrey. 

“Fisher Bros.”—J. S. Fisher, sheriff, and M. J. Fisher— 
run a livery stable, a fact rendered more emphatic by a spank¬ 
ing team attached to a buggy, with a whip standing upright 
in a whip-socket. 

“J. P. Smith” is a lawyer. J. L. Hall is ditto. 

“D. F. Arthur, Atty.,” deals in lands. 

“James Holmes” is running a still, as is evidenced by a 
cut showing a copper still and “worm.” No; you’re wrong; 
it’s a turpentine still. 

“Dukes and Huber” do a contracting business, and manu¬ 
facture a superior quality of brick. 

“Fisher and Smith”—J. S. Fisher and W. B. Smith—build 
wagons, buggies and carts. 

“Beall and McLean”—0. A. Beall and.McLean, 

are general merchants. 

“C. C. Harrel”—Quitman, Georgia, and Moultrie, Geor¬ 
gia—runs a general dry goods store at both places, called 
“The Fair.” 

“J. B. Norman, Jr.,” is a retail dealer in all kinds of food¬ 
stuffs and feed-stuffs. 

“The Holloway Company” hold themselves out to the world 
as “Jewelers, and dealers in optical goods, and proprietors of 
the Poplar Spring Bath-houses, centrally located, where you 
can always get baths of all kinds.” (Query: What has be¬ 
come of “Poplar Springs”?) 

“A. B. Peters” says he is a physician and surgeon, and 
lends color to the assertion by publishing a mortar and pestle, 
for such cases made and provided. 



160 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


“W. C. Sessoms” is likewise a physician and surgeon, but 
minus the mortar and pestle. 

Last of all, as we make the round of the ad, is a picture of 
a young merchant named “W. B. Dukes,” who modestly puts 
out an alias of “The Model American Merchant, Owner and 
Operator of Five Different Stores.” The reader will hear 
more of “the model merchant,” which is the due of both 
the reader and die merchant. 

Note: Upon a review of the above border ads, we find that 
Dr. C. A. Holtzendorf is a “Dental Surgeon,” with office over 
Dukes and Smith’s drug store. Also, that we have over¬ 
looked Dr. J. H. Cook, another “dental surgeon,” whose office 
is over the Autrey Building, to have missed them both, is per¬ 
haps in die nature of things. One cannot be expected to put 
one’s self out much to find a “dental surgeon.” 

As we promised, we end this chapter with the advertisement 
hereinbefore referred to. We do this for the reason that we 
are rather proud of this piece of advertising. It is the first 
of many put out since May, 1895, by Moultrie boosters; but 
we have doubts as to whether it has ever been surpassed. 

Moultrie 

Situated away down in south Georgia, in the midst of the wire 
grass and pines, is one of the most flourishing and prosperous towns 
of the South. 

It has indeed caught the spirit of thrift and enterprise, and is fast 
forging its way to the front. Three years ago, Moultrie had only 50 
inhabitants; now she is a thriving little town of 1200, busy, stirring 
souls; and her population is increasing daily. 

People growing tired of the old barren hills of north Georgia and 
the Carolinas are seeking new homes in this favored section. 

Very little short cotton is raised here now; the long-staple Sea 
Island can be raised here just as cheap; and, while short cotton is 


MOULTRIE SPEAKS 


161 


selling at from four to five cents, long staple brings from twelve to 
twenty cents a pound; and those who plant it claim that just as 
much of the long staple can be raised per acre as the short staple. 
Land here, well tilled, will produce two-thirds of a bale of long 
cotton per acre; and the farmers of other sections of the South, 
growing tired of the low prices of short staple cotton, are fast com¬ 
ing to Colquitt County, and taking advantage of her fresh, cheap, 
productive lands, discarding the cheap short-staple cotton, and de¬ 
voting their time and energies to the long staple. 

This is the home of the watermelon. The finest melons in the 
world are raised in this section. Immense amounts of melons are 
shipped every year from south Georgia to the North, and to less 
favored sections of the United States. One acre here planted in 
melons and properly cultivated will bring as much in the market 
as ten acres in corn or cotton. 

Another great industry to which our lands and climate are pe¬ 
culiarly adapted is the fruit culture. Peaches, pears, apples, grapes, 
and all kinds of fruits grow here to perfection. We are only 
twenty-eight miles southwest of Tifton, the great fruit center. 

Some of our most enterprising planters are embarking in the cul¬ 
tivation of fruit. It is astonishing to what perfection sugar cane and 
potatoes grow here. And the peanut, the oat, and corn, grow here 
as well as anywhere in the world. The health of this section is pro¬ 
verbial. We are twenty-six miles northeast of Thomasville, the re¬ 
nowned health resort. 

Land here can be bought for a mere song. The very best of lands 
can be had for from $2.50 to $10.00 per acre, though the price of 
land is constantly rising. 

This county has a record for morality and law-abiding that is not 
exceeded by any county in the South. 

Colquitt County was established in 1856—thirty years ago—and 
during that time, there has never within her borders occurred a 
lynching, nor has anyone ever been hanged, and but one criminal 
sent to the penitentiary. 

This county has perhaps the finest saw-mill and turpentine timber 
anywhere to be found, until recently remote from railroads, her 
timber stands almost in its primeval glory. 


162 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Quite a number of turpentine stills are being operated in the 
county, and sawmill men are coming here to save the timber, as the 
turpentine men leave it. 

Moultrie perhaps ships more naval stores than any other point in 
the world. 

At present, we have but one railroad—the Georgia Northern, 
which intersects with the Savannah, Florida and Western, at a point 
thirty-one miles south of here. We hope, however, to soon see both 
the Tifton and Thomasville and the Columbus Southern extended 
from Albany to Valdosta. If these roads are built, Moultrie will 
then have ample railroad connection. 

Moultrie has twenty-nine mercantile establishments, all in pros¬ 
perous condition. She has four livery stables, all running on a pay¬ 
ing basis. The Central Hotel, run by Mrs. J. L. Peeples, is one of 
the best in the South. The climate here is superb. There is an 
absence of both extreme heat and cold, and out-of-door work is pos¬ 
sible the year round. The population in the last two years has in¬ 
creased from 150 to not less than 1400. Fifteen or twenty buildings 
are in course of construction, and will be erected during the summer. 
A large modern brick hotel is in contemplation, and it is probable 
that its doors will soon be thrown open for the entertainment of 
guests. Stock companies are being formed by northern men, and 
are buying up lands in this section, preparatory to undertaking fruit 
culture. 

Cattle, sheep, hogs, and goats are permitted to run in the forest 
unguarded and unsheltered and unfed throughout the year, and yet 
they thrive and multiply, drawing on Nature’s storehouse for their 
provisions. This is considered an unusually good country for bees, 
wild flowers growing spontaneously, and the writer can testify that 
he never saw anywhere richer colored honey. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


Colquitt in 1898 


The preceding chapter deals with Moultrie and Colquitt 
County in 1895, which was two years after the first railroad 
reached Moultrie. We are now to deal with our subject as 
we found it in 1898. Our first personal contact with Col¬ 
quitt was on the second day of June, 1898. We had been 
admitted to the bar twelve days before, at Ellijay, Georgia, 
by Judge George F. Gober, of the Blue Ridge Circuit. We 
visited our wife’s kin at Arlington and at Camilla, and with 
her, drove over from Camilla in a two-horse hack, coming 
through Hartsfield, and the section that is now Funston. We 
arrived at Moultrie at high noon, and took dinner with W. H. 
Budd, the Methodist preacher, and went into a rented house 
belonging to Mr. J. F. Monk. The next day, we took dinner 
with Mr. H. C. MacKenzie, whose wife was a relative. Mr. 
John H. Smithwick, our professional partner to be, had pre¬ 
ceded us one day, having left Cherokee County about the 
same time we did; but he came direct to Moultrie. 

In a biography of William Tecumseh Sherman appears the 
account of how his parents, both college people, went West 
as advised to do by Horace Greeley, and settled at Lancaster, 
Ohio. The book says, “It was a good place to build up a 
law practice. The county was new, and there was much title 
and transfer work, as well as land litigation. Also, there were 
several saloons, which furnished a lot of criminal practice.” 

This exactly describes conditions in Colquitt County in 
1898. Plenty of title litigation, and much real estate trans¬ 
ferring. Also, there were nine saloons. Also there was a 
criminal killing about every four weeks, and we did not 
count Negroes. It was a young lawyer’s paradise, if he 



164 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


knew how to charge and collect a fee. The prosperity sound¬ 
ing out of the advertisement described and quoted in a preced¬ 
ing chapter was rising right on. W. B. Dukes, the “model mer¬ 
chant,” was still running his five stores. He was Moultrie’s 
leading merchant alright, his main store being situated on 
the northeast corner, formed by the intersection of the streets 
where Friedlander’s store is now located. Monk Murphy and 
Co., a partnership composed of Miles Monk, Sr., Henry Mur¬ 
phy and J. F. Monk, was operating a general store, where 
the Moultrie Cafe is now located. Jack Walker, the lawyer, 
was gone, as was Attorney Lester. John A. Wilkes had just 
come to Moultrie, and formed a partnership with J. L. Hall. 
H. C. MacKenzie and J. D. MacKenzie were practicing law 
in partnership. Drs. Sessums and Peters sole members of 
the medical profession in 1895, had been joined by a Dr. 
Ellis, whose office was on the ground floor of a building in 
the middle of the block immediately south of the courthouse 
square. He had a mounted human skeleton in his consulta¬ 
tion office. Dr. Holtzendorf, plying the profession of den¬ 
tistry in 1895, was gone in 1898. Dr. J. H. Cook, however, 
was still in Moultrie. 

W. C. Vereen, who lived on his turpentine farm in north¬ 
west Colquitt in 1895, had moved to Moultrie, in 1896, and 
lived in a two-story frame building, on the present site of his 
elaborate brick residence. 

The Moultrie Banking Company, which was not in exist¬ 
ence in 1895, was here and going good on June 1, 1898, 
with W. W. Ashburn, president; W. C. Vereen, vice-president, 
and J. H. Clark, cashier. J. B. Norman, Jr., owner of a 
grocery business in 1895, had closed this business in June, 
1898. There were only two brick buildings in Moultrie in 
1898, and none in 1895. Antone Huber was laying brick on 
the second story of his two-story building, situated then and 
now on the west side of the courthouse square. Battle Bros., a 


COLQUITT IN 1898 


165 


firm composed of George and Joe J. Battle, had a kind of 
livery stable and wagon and buggy business where the Sunday 
school extension of the First Baptist Church of Moultrie now 
stands. 

The Battles were very 
eccentric, on occasion. For 
instance, late in the year 
1898, this firm put in a 
stock of undertakers’ sup¬ 
plies in their store, and ad¬ 
vertised that part of their 
business by suspending a 
full-sized black coffin to a 
beam extending out over 
the sidewalk at right angles 
to their warehouse. In a 
night or two, the coffin was 
missing; and was presently 
found over in the Ocapilco 
swamp, filled with mud. 
Some fifteen year later, Joe 
Battle had a livery stable 
and a live-stock warehouse 
running back north from First Avenue, East, and back to 
the present Friedlander store. In course of time, he cut off 
on the side of his warehouse a storeroom, for a stock of mill¬ 
iners’ supplies; and in a day or two, across the whole front 
of his building and high up above the roof, was a big sign 
in box-car letters, carrying the words, “J. J. Battle, Millinery 
and Mules.” 

By 1898, J. B. Norman, Jr., Hon. Martin F. Amorous, and 
Major Bacon had acquired extensive timber interests on the 
eastern side of Colquitt County, and had built a tramway 
to their sawmills which were located about fourteen miles 



James Murphy, Colquitt Reconstruction 
Leader. 




166 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


east of Moultrie. From Sparks, a station on the G. S. & F. 
Ry., and then decided to extend it to Moultrie, having taken 
out a charter for it, under the name of Sparks, Moultrie and 
Gulf Railroad. This had been done in the middle of 1898, 
and daily schedules had been put on between Moultrie and 
Sparks. Henry Parrish presided in its Moultrie depot, which 
was near the present A. B. & C. depot. By 1898, a good 
many thousands of acres of timbered lands had been worked 
for turpentine, especially that portion within hauling distance 
of Sparks. The men who had worked this turpentine were 
J. B. Norman, Jr., W. H. Barber, Duncan Sinclair, W. B. 
Connoley and a Mr. DeVane. Mr. W. C. Vereen came to 
Colquitt for the purpose of going into the naval stores busi¬ 
ness in the neighborhood of Pineopolis, only to find that Mr. 
DeVane had already preempted it. As a result Mr. Vereen 
went to the northwestern part of the county, and secured a 
bonanza in virgin, workable timber. 

Others who were at work in the naval stores business in 
1898 in Colquitt were A. C. Darling, and James Holmes, 
operating separate stills in the eastern suburbs of Moultrie. 
D. A. Autrey, with a hundred thousand dollar investment, at 
Autreyville, in southern Colquitt, and Major John K. McNeil 
toward the southeast corner of Colquitt, was doing an ex¬ 
tensive naval stores business, in connection with his son, Thos. 
McNeil. 

There was held in Colquitt County, on June 6, 1898, an 
election for State and county offices. Perhaps it was a 
primary; hut anyhow, there was no registration and Negroes 
voted in droves. 

The candidates for governor were Robt. Berner, Spencer 
Atkinson and Allen D. Candler. Pearsall and Shipp man¬ 
aged for Atkinson, while McKenzie and McKenzie sponsored 
Candler’s interests in Colquitt. Candler spoke, just before 
the election, at the courthouse. High light of the speech— 


COLQUITT IN 1898 


167 


“And fellow citizens,” he squeaked, “I’m against taking taxes 
from the poor for the upkeep of the University of Georgia, 
for the purpose of teaching dudes to dance. My observation 
has been that, about the time you learn a boy the meaning 
of the Latin hie, haec, hoc, he forgets the meaning of gee, 
haw, Buck.” The audience roared in glee, and Bob Shipp, 
Atkinson’s manager in Colquitt, said to those around him, 
“Let’s go, boys, the old man’s got the county.” 

In the afternoon of June 6, we acted as a clerk to the elec¬ 
tion managers, this machinery was seated in one of the rooms 
on the ground floor of the old courthouse, and on the south 
side. The voters came up the walk from the south of the 
courthouse square, and handed their tickets, marked and 
folded, through a window. Presently, in some excitement, 
a turpentine operator, brought up forty-three Negroes on the 
walk. He stood at the head of the column, and as a Negro 
would walk up, he handed him a marked ticket and watched 
him while he stuck it in the window. The column reached 
nearly, if not quite, through the turn-stile on the south side 
of the square. Two white flankers walked up and down the 
column, to prevent the opposition to the ticket being voted 
by the men from getting any of them away from their boss- 
man. 

“Can that man vote all those Negroes?” we asked of lawyer 
Bob Shipp, who with us was in the room where they were vot¬ 
ing. 

“It’s a pretty safe bet he can,” answered Shipp. 

“Well, if I were running for anything, I’d like to have the 
support of that gentleman,” we mused. 

Just about that time, a man tried to yank one of the 
“voters” out of the line, when, with great promptness, one of 
the flankers shot him. The shot was not fatal, but it was 
temporarily effective all around; and after this, the turpen- 


168 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


tine man was not interfered with any further in his politics. 
The turpentine operator is still alive, a resident of a nearby 
county; and the man who got shot is still going. But we are 
under the impression that he has quit fooling with another 
man’s political “rights.” 

In 1898, there were no paved sidewalks in Moultrie, al¬ 
though some planked sidewalking is remembered in front of 
the stores, over in front of the south side of the courthouse 
square. The streets around the square were very sandy, 
and much cut up with the traffic. About 1904, the city au¬ 
thorities spread a coating of native red clay over the surface 
of the streets around the square; and Attorney John A. 
Wilkes told us that he had just overheard a visiting woman 
say, “There’ll be no endurin’ the people of Moultrie hence¬ 
forth, now that she has clayed her streets.” John thought 
the remark was in poor taste, and attributed it to envy. Said 
he thought that she must have come from either Camilla or 
Tifton. 


CHAPTER XXV 


Old Greenfield 


Joel C. Graves was Colquitt’s first manufacturer. He was 
a native of Vermont, who in 1838 had moved to Monticello, 
Florida. In the beginning of 1857, he trekked northward 
again; saw Colquitt County; bought timbered lands lying to 

the south of Moultrie, and finally built a dam across- 

Creek, about eight miles south of Moultrie, and near the 
Pavo road, where he erected a gristmill, and put in a set of 
wool cards, and built a barrel factory—a “bucket shop,” as 
it was called by Graves’ neighbors. All these enterprises 
were housed in a three-story frame building. Their motive 
power was steam. 

This shop manufactured from native hardwoods, such as 
cypress and the gums, black and sweet, barrels, tubs, and 
small kits. If we except a few gristmills and wool cards, 
this was Colquitt’s first manufacturing establishment. 

Presently, he made a contract with the Confederacy for 
supplying the army and navy with barrels for use in shipping 
syrup and meats to the armies from this section. Also, it 
furnished an excellent reason for keeping Craves’ two sons 
from under the provisions of the “Conscript Act.” 

At one time during the life of this contract, some fifty to 
sixty laborers, all taken from the vicinage, worked for Mr. 
Graves. Of course, when the war was over, the contract was 
no longer effective; and the local market for barrels, tubs, 
and buckets did not suffice to keep the bucket shop going. 

So Mr. Graves borrowed some money from his three broth¬ 
ers, and finally paid off this indebtedness by deeding some 
of his Colquitt timber lands to them. One of his brothers 




170 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


was killed at the Battle of Resaca in 1864, leaving some 
fifteen hundred to two thousand acres of these lands to his 
wife and two daughters. 

Mr. Joel C. Graves was a Presbyterian minister; and when 
he changed his residence to a place which had no church or¬ 
ganization of that faith and order, he would proceed to create 
such organization; and, when he found it necessary, he would 
erect the church building. This explains why for seventy- 
two years, there has been standing in the midst of Mr. 
Graves’ former land-holdings in Colquitt County, a brick 
church building. It long has been called “The Old Green¬ 
field Brick Church”; and was built from brick burned from 
clay taken from a deposit near Mr. Graves’ mill. This was 
the first brick structure ever erected in Colquitt County, and 
the only one, till another, a jail, was erected in Moultrie in 
1892. 

Since Mr. Graves’ family, including his “in-laws,” con¬ 
stituted all the Presbyterians resident in Colquitt County at 
the time Mr. Graves built his church, they, of course, con¬ 
stituted his organization. After Mr. Craves moved away 
from this section, the church building came to be used in a 
desultory way for both Methodists and Missionary Baptists, 
residing in the neighborhood. Especially, after Dr. Baker 
E. Watkins, a neighbor of the Graves, and a Methodist, and 
Rev. A. C. Stephenson, a noted Baptist preacher, who lived 
in Thomas County for fifty years, held forth with more or 
less regularity in the brick church. 

Mr. Graves, a year or two after the war, moved his resi¬ 
dence to a point about four miles from Ty Ty, in Worth 
County, where he was engaged in duplicating his work at 
Greenfield (including a Presbyterian church building), when 
he died there, in 1867, and was brought back to Greenfield 
graveyard for burial, among the “rude forefathers of the 
hamlet,” not many steps from the last resting place of his 


OLD GREENFIELD 


171 


former friend and associate, Dr. Baker E. Watkins, Methodist 
preacher, member of Georgia’s Constitutional Convention of 
1865, and father of two of Colquitt’s representatives in the 
House of Representatives in the General Assembly of Georgia. 
Dr. Baker E. Watkins’ grave, with that of his wife, has fallen 
into much disrepair. Doubtless it will soon be put in proper 
shape, as the Moultrie McNeil Chapter of the U. D. C. has 
constituted itself guardian for Greenfield churchhouse and 
graveyard. This fact is profoundly gratifying, since it is 
always painful to find graveyards have become “neglected 
spots.” 

The 1860 census shows that Ruth Graves, a native of Ver¬ 
mont, age 51, and by profession a common-school teacher, 
was an inmate of the residence of Joel S. Graves, at Old 
Greenfield. It also shows that Roxy Ann Graves, age 23, a 
native of Florida, who had the same profession, likewise 
lived with Joel S. Graves. The former was a sister of 
Mr. Graves, and the latter his daughter. We have omitted to 
say that, in addition to Presbyterian church building, Mr. 
Graves was said to always build a school building. And this 
is what he did, at “Old Greenfield.” The brick building at 
that place was divided into two rooms. One was for religious 
services, and the other was used as a school room. Both Ruth 
and Roxy Graves taught, at times, in that section of the build¬ 
ing. We incline to the view that their work was of a very 
high order of excellence. And we are sure that the same 
can be said of Mr. Graves’ preaching. He is said to have 
been a zealous proselyter for his church, although it was open 
for preachers of other faiths and orders. 


CHAPTER XXVI 


Some Important Visitors to 
Colquitt Comity 


We were once, for an hour or two, a guest at the home of 
the venerable J. B. Norman, Sr., at Norman Park. We took 
up part of the time in asking him about the past history of 
the county. Among other things, we asked for the names of 
noted men who had made public speeches at Moultrie. He 
said that Benj. H. Hill was the first man of any prominence 
to make a set political speech in the county. It was in his 
campaign for the governorship in 1856, when he was the 
nominee of the know-nothing, or American, party, against 
Superior Court Judge Joseph E. Brown, of the Blue Ridge 
Circuit, who was the nominee of the Democratic party. Mr. 
Hill was the special guest of Mr. Norman, who entertained 
him at his house overnight, brought him to Moultrie for his 
speech, and then carried him across the country in his buggy 
for a speech there. 

“Did he make a good speech here?” I asked. 

“Well, I thought he did,” said he, with characteristic 
moderation. 

“Did Joe Brown visit the county?” 

“No.” 

“Who managed for Brown?” I asked. 

“Henry Gay,” answered my host. 

“Who carried the county?” I wanted to know. 

“Brown carried the county,” he answered, with placid resig¬ 
nation. 



IMPORTANT VISITORS TO COLQUITT CO. 173 

Bob Taylor, the celebrated lecturer, former Governor of 
Tennessee, United States Senator, and the hero of many a 
rough-and-tumble political campaign, once came to Moultrie 
for a paid lecture. We sat with him in the judge’s stand at 
the courthouse, while we waited for his audience to assemble. 
Presently, he bent over and said to us, in a low tone of dis¬ 
tress: 

“I am about dead of stage fright.” 

“Oh, you can’t be in earnest!” we said, “with all your ex¬ 
perience, and before this little audience in this out-of-the- 
way place.” 

“Well, it’s true,” said he; “I am never free from it; and 
the attacks are more painful, as I grow older.” 

Woodrow Wilson, who did nothing in the way of a speech 
impromptu, suffered from the same malady; and it is said 
that he had to have medical treatment for an unusually severe 
attack, on the night he addressed the joint session of the Con¬ 
gress, recommending our entrance into the World War. 

Sam Jones, the evangelist, lectured more than once in Moul¬ 
trie. His lecture delivered in the old brick warehouse, situ¬ 
ated on 1st Street, S. E., was an epochal deliverance, result¬ 
ing in the destruction of ten saloons, and a revolution in the 
habits and moral reactions of an entire town and county. 

* jf? * ^ >ji 

We heard Mrs. Gen. George Pickett deliver a paid lecture 
under the auspices of the Alkahest Lyceum Bureau, about 
1920. It was under a tent, near where now stands the Bap¬ 
tist S. S. annex. She was a well-groomed, handsome woman; 
and her subject was “Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg.” This 
military maneuver was the most conspicuous instance of dis¬ 
ciplined valor the modern world ever saw; and, a few years 


174 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


before, we had walked over the ground covered hy Pickett’s 
18,000 veterans. Lordy, lordy, we’ll never hear a speech 
more thrilling than this woman’s description of that memo¬ 
rable event. 

Some twenty years ago, we heard Dr. W. L. Pickard, 
at that time president of Mercer University, and always after 
maturity an able and scholarly Baptist minister, preach in 
Moultrie from the following text: 

“Being found and fashioned as a man, He humbled Himself, and 
became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. Where¬ 
fore, God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name 
which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus, every knee 
should bow of things in Heaven, of things in earth, and things under 
the earth, and that every tongue should confess Him Lord, to the 
glory of God the Father.” 

It was a great discourse made by the doctor, who had had 
only one child, and that a son, who died years before. Our 
“raised spirit” walked in glory with him during that hour; 
and the experience helped us to reach the permanent con¬ 
clusion that of all classes of public speakers, the Christian 
minister has the least excuse for being commonplace. 

Woodrow Wilson was never in Colquitt; but he delivered 
an address at Albany, in 1912, in behalf of his campaign 
for the presidential nomination of the Democratic party. 
The Georgia Northern Railway sent up a special train. The 
speech was not up to his ancient form, we think, being too 
cautious. We were impressed, however, by the remark gen¬ 
eral on the train as we returned, “Why, he’s a good man!” 

None of us had any idea of the tremendous power he was 
to exert through the whole earth, within the next eight years. 


IMPORTANT VISITORS TO COLQUITT CO. 175 

Mrs. Rebecca Felton, wife of the celebrated orator William 
H. Felton, of Cartersville, Ga., and the first woman ever to 
be sworn in as a senator of the United States spent one night 
in Moultrie. It was in the Spring of 1865, when she came 
into town from the south, whither she had refugeed with her 
boy in order to escape the attentions of Gen. Tecumseh Sher¬ 
man. She spent the night at the double-pen log house of Mr. 
and Mrs. Peter 0. Wing, which stood on the present site of 
the Daniel drug store in the northwest corner of the inter¬ 
section of Main Street and 1st Avenue, South, and the next 
morning she proceeded by carriage to Albany. 

William Jennings Bryan, soon after his retirement from 
Wilson’s cabinet in 1916, made a paid lecture at Moultrie 
at 2 P. M. one afternoon. His subject was some modification 
of his great staple lecture, entitled “The Prince of Peace.” 
He lectured on this subject three times in a single day—at 
Camilla, at 11 A. M.; at Moultrie at 2 P. M.; and at Thomas- 
ville at 8 P. M. 

A few of us went out to Hartsfield to meet him on his way 
to Moultrie. We knew pretty well when to expect him at 
Hartsfield, and so stopped there; and we had waited only a 
few minutes when his car rolled swiftly down the slight eleva¬ 
tion just west of the stores. We waved him down, and he 
stopped, took a few steps in order to get to our car; and 
forthwith, Hartsfield was never to be the same place any more; 
such is the power of a great spirit over even inanimate things. 

As we drove out toward Moultrie, Mr. W. C. Vereen called 
his attention to the fact that they both were delegates to the 
Baltimore Democratic Convention in 1912. “Ah, yes,” said 
Mr. Bryan, “and do you remember my Morgan-Ryan Resolu¬ 
tion?” 

“Oh, very well, of course,” said Mr. Vereen. 


176 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


“Well,” said Mr. Bryan, “I’ll remember that scene as 
long as I remember anything—the rage into which the oppo¬ 
sition lashed itself. Upon the platform, Tom Taggart run¬ 
ning up and down. He looked as if he wanted to say some¬ 
thing, but didn’t know what it was. His eyes were all bulged 
out.” 

Mr. Bryan was impressed by the farm land through which 
we passed, and said so. We are convinced now that we could 
have sold him a nice block of Colquitt real estate, had we 
tried. He kept admiring the land and asking about the rul¬ 
ing prices. 

When we reached the Ochlochnee bridge, we were com¬ 
pelled to stop our car, so that a farmer might get off with his 
two-mule team. 

“Who is that man?” said Mr. Bryan. 

“Of what consequence can that be to you?” we asked. 
“You are not going to see him again.” 

“I am impressed with his face,” said he. “Do you know 
him, and is he a good man?” 

It was a good man; and we so told him. He was Mr. John 
Gay, grandson of Henry Gay, Colquitt’s life-long pioneer 
Democrat. He now lives at Ellenton, in Colquitt County. 

Mr. Bryan was running late when we reached Moultrie; 
and advanced swiftly at the head of his escort committee to 
the courthouse, where his crowd was waiting. There was a 
beggar-man sitting on the sidewalk, with his tin cup. The 
“Great Commoner” stopped, took out his bill fold, and peeled 
one of them off and dropped it in the cup. Then followed 
suit the members of the committee. It was a red letter day 
for the beggar-man. 

After the lecture, Mr. Z. H. Clark, treasurer for the local 
lecture bureau, handed Mr. Bryan a check for his contract 


IMPORTANT VISITORS TO COLQUITT CO. 177 


price. He demurred, saying, “I think you did not take in 
that much.” 

“Mr. Bryan, we keep our contracts down here in the 
South,” said Mr. Clark. 

“Well, we sometimes break ours up North,” said Mr. 
Bryan, “and I am going to break this one, so you keep the 
check, and deduct all proper expenses, and send me the bal¬ 
ance. As a trained lecturer, I know that $200 is too much.” 

That night he gave $100 to a local campaign for the Y. M. 
C. A. at Thomasville. 


CHAPTER XXVII 


Being More About the Women 


It has already been said, herein, that the pioneer women 
of Colquitt got a rather raw deal at the hands of Fate, when 
their menfolks brought them to the wilds of Colquitt. It has 
been seen how such men as Elder Crawf. Tucker carried their 
guns to their Saturday meetings, for the purpose of bringing 
down a deer or a wild turkey, which they might run across 
on their way home. And practically every man was a hunter, 
and worked at it. For instance, John Tucker, big land-owner 
and politician in a local way, killed, so it is still said, more 
deer than any man that was ever in the county, frequently 
hunting with Robert Bearden, his neighbor and friend. 

Then the men went rather often to such market towns as 
Albany, Thomasville, St. Marks, Tallahassee and Columbus; 
but their women generally stayed at home with the children 
and “the stuff.” Too, the men have been seen to have had 
some rather agreeable contacts with Judge Hansell and the 
visiting lawyers, twice a year at the “Big Court”; but from 
these the women were strictly barred. In fact, a real nice 
woman thought it grossly improper for a woman to go about 
the courthouse, when court was in session. 

Then, from the time Bob Bearden and “Aunt Sallie” 
opened a general store at Moultrie, in the fifties, alcoholics 
were obtainable, at low prices, and practically all the men 
drank, more or less. But the women did not drink, for one 
reason that the men would not stand for it. The reason for 
this general objection was that they knew that prudence goes 
out, as liquor goes in; and they wanted no doubt to exist as to 
the matter of the fatherhood of the children. 



BEING MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN 


179 


However, the women generally used snuff, or plumply 
chewed tobacco more or less on the sly, generally agreeing 
among themselves that “Terbacker shore is a heap of com¬ 
pany to a body.” Then, too, as has already been observed, 
herein, while the monotony and the isolation of life to the 
housewives was terrible, a remedy was found in the average 
big family of the period. The women “raised their com¬ 
pany.” 

At all this, however, at the beginning of the present cen¬ 
tury, statistics showed a larger percentage of farmers’ wives 
in the lunatic asylums of this nation than of any other class 
of our population, the reason being that the business of being 
a backwoods farmer’s wife, and cooking his meals for forty 
or fifty years, three times per day, including leap years, is 
likely to become a bit wearing on the nerves. Anyhow, it is 
our firm opinion that, when the true historian comes along, 
he is going to decide to drop consideration of the doings of 
the men; and write several books about the farmers’ wives 
of this land. So feeling, we are going to keep telling about 
these pioneer women of Colquitt right on to the end of this 
chapter, at least. Out of the hundreds of these women, we 
introduce just a few: 

Susan A. Tucker, wife of John Tucker, and daughter-in- 
law of Patriarch Crawford Tucker, was before marriage 
Susan A. Stephenson, born near Raleigh, N. C., on Septem¬ 
ber 28, 1835, coming to Colquitt, soon after her birth, with 
her parents. Notwithstanding her handicaps, she reared a 
fine family of children. Of course, neither she nor her chil¬ 
dren had much education, as there were no schools within 
reach; but her pictures show her to have been modest and 
dignified. We also know all this from the fact that she gave 
to Colquitt a lot of fine girls. It was a good day’s work for 
Colquitt when John Tucker went a sparking of her. 


180 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


The reader, if he has followed us closely, already knows 
how Susan Jane Tucker (alia dicta “Babe”) stands with this 
historian. We have seen how John Tucker, her father, 
pitched the biggest wedding party for her that Colquitt ever 
saw—before or since. We have seen how Susan Jane took 
life as it came to her, staying by her man till his death, in 
1896. John Tucker, before her marriage, boasted that she 
could run a straighter furrow than any man on the farm. It 
is still told how that when a colt fell into a well on the home 
place, she superintended getting it out, claimed it for herself 
in virtue of this accomplishment, and took it away as a part 
of her marriage portion; while, just the other day, a man 
told us that, on occasion, she would drive a two-horse team 
to Thomasville and back with her own hands, in order to ob¬ 
tain a load of supplies. 

It will occasion no surprise, therefore, when the reader is 
told that, in the interval between the death of her husband, in 
1896, and her own death, in 1932, no sheriff ever levied a 
paper on anything on her farm, and no mortgage ever en¬ 
cumbered any of her property. Best of all, she finished 
raising her eleven children in the years of her widowhood, 
and turned them all out into Colquitt’s citizen-body, as credi¬ 
table members. She was born, in 1857, being the first-born 
of her parents; and during her last years was full of good 
works and alms-deeds. Having been called “Susan Jane” 
and “Aunt Babe” by scores of her relatives and neighbors, 
a whole country-side called her “Mammy,” during several 
years next preceding her death. This tribute is paid to her 
memory, with all the gladness in the world. 

Ruth Tillman Norman, the wife of James M. Norman, 
was born in South Carolina, on September 18, 1798, and 
died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. J. Strickland, in 
Colquitt County, on March 8, 1884, having survived her hus- 


BEING MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN 


181 


band a full twenty years. She was the mother of the six 
Normans whose group picture is placed at the end of this 
chapter, and of a seventh son, John Tillman Norman, who 
reached adulthood, reared a family, and died in the year that 
Moultrie was incorporated. She also had five daughters, as 
follows: Emily Susannah (Mrs. John A. Alderman), Dica 
(Mrs. Burrell Baker), Hettie (Mrs. Henry Gay), Elizabeth 
M. (Mrs. A. J. Strickland), and Zilpha (spinster). 

When it is considered that a woman in her day had only 
one career open to her—namely, looking after her household 
duties, and rearing children, and that this is still her highest 
work, Ruth Tillman Norman must in the light of her record 
as a mother be rated as one of Colquitt’s great women. Her 
kindred have for nearly a century been builders in the coun¬ 
ty; and this applies to both her own descendants and to her 
brothers and sisters and their descendants. She was a sister 
to John Tillman and Joshua Tillman, both Colquitt pioneers, 
and she is therefore a great aunt of W. M. Tillman, the 
present Chairman of Colquitt’s Board of County Commission¬ 
ers. She sleeps by the side of her husband, in the Pleasant 
Grove Primitive Baptist Cemetery, two miles from Moultrie, 
on the Adel road. 

Sarah Ann Norman, born a Dukes, in 1825, was the wife 
of Jeremiah Bryant Norman, senior, who was the oldest son 
of pioneer James Mitchell Norman. This couple had chil¬ 
dren as follows: Ruth E., James T., Julia A., Susan L., Sarah 
Ann, Zilpha, Jeremiah Bryant, junior, John S., Matthew H., 
M. D., R. L., and V. F. All these children reached maturity 
and married off, except John and Matthew, both of whom died 
within a few days of each other, as young children, in 1860. 
All the surviving sons became leaders among the citizens of 
Colquitt County in finance, politics, and religious affairs. 
The four daughters married, and helped to train large fami- 


182 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


lies of children, as follows: Julia married G. F. Newton; 
Sarah Ann married George Clark; Zilpha married Jeremiah 
Tillman; Susan married Miles Monk, Sr., and Emily Susan¬ 
nah married John A. Alderman. It is safe to say that no 
woman has made a larger contribution to permanent values 
in Colquitt County that has Sarah Ann Dukes Norman. She 
was born in 1825, in what was then Irwin County, in territory 
that was soon afterwards incorporated in Lowndes. This 
writer saw her once in her home at Norman Park. It was 
not long before her death. She is buried by the side of her 
husband at Pleasant Grove Church, near Moultrie. 

Julia Norman was the third child of Jeremiah B. Norman, 
Sr., and his wife Sarah Ann Norman, of whom we treat in the 
paragraph of this chapter next above. She was born in 
1851, and after the close of the Civil War, she married 
George F. Newton, a young soldier, who went to the war from 
Brooks County, left an arm at Gettysburg, and came a-courtin’ 
Julia when he got home. 

We have hitherto held that the acid test of womanhood is 
her achievement in the way of “horning” and rearing chil¬ 
dren. In this regard, Julia A. Newton was not one whit be¬ 
hind her mother. Without any exception, her 10 children 
are blameless citizens of the communities in which they 
reside. Luckily for Colquitt, most of them reside within her 
limits. 

Julia Ann Newton was a kind of Primitive Baptist saint. 
Luther Stallings, who lived in her house for more than a 
year, one time, says that she had the best controlled mind and 
nerves of any person he ever saw—that she never condoned 
wrong in any particular, but at the first signs of repentance, 
she began to make concessions to the wrong-doer, saying, 
“Well, we cannot tell the strength of the temptation,” or “He 


BEING MORE ABOUT THE WOMEN 


183 


might have been swept away when he was not on guard.” A 
group of the contemporaries of her older children, speaking 
of her the other day, agreed, “Should we get to Heaven, we 
expect to find her, looking like she did for a generation of 
Sundays at Pleasant Grove Church; black dress, black poke 
bonnet, head slightly down on one side, looking intently over 
her specs at the Primitive Baptist preacher, as he was hold¬ 
ing forth.” 

From all accounts, practically the same thing can be said 
of her sister, Susan L. Norman, who was the second wife of 
Miles Monk, Jr., and of another sister, Sarah Ann Norman, 
who married Rev. G. F. Clark. Same type of children—• 
same big families—same devotion to the cause of the Lord. 

Mary McNeil was a native of Cheraw, S. C., being a daugh¬ 
ter of Major Neil McKay McNeil and his wife, Jane Johnson 
Pegues. She married W. C. Vereen, a young business man 
of Cheraw, S. C., casting in her fortunes with his at a time 
when to be broke was the hallmark of South Carolina aris¬ 
tocracy. The fact that she went cheerfully along with her 
husband into the woods of first Douglas, then Montgomery, 
and finally Colquitt County, where for six years she shared 
the cares and anxieties of a turpentine operator with him, 
entitles her to a place in the list of Colquitt’s Pioneer Women. 

This historian came to Colquitt, June 2, 1898, just a few 
months before the death of Mrs. Vereen, so that he has no 
recollection of ever seeing her. He was asked to accompany 
Hon. M. J. Pearsall, a friend of the Vereens, to her funeral 
rites at the old Presbyterian Church. He did not understand 
all the circumstances, but enough got into his knowledge to 
impress him that this death was calculated to sweep the ten- 
derest emotions of the human heart. There is yet present in 
our memory pictures of seven children in various stages of 
immaturity, running down to infants in arms. Also, the in- 


184 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


dications of her popularity among the citizens of the town, 
who filled the church and its approaches. Also tender mem¬ 
ories of Mr. Pearsall, who was himself to meet a tragic death 
a few years later. 

These noted women of Colquitt County have been picked 
out with some diffidence. A diffidence which grows out of our 
knowledge that there have been scores, and perhaps hundreds 
of other Colquitt women who in their backwoods homes have 
pursued the even tenor of their way, too much engrossed 
by the pressure of immediate duties to think of anything 
else, the majority of whom await the Resurrection of the 
Last Day in unmarked graves. But at that time they will 
be all right; for 

“While Valour’s haughty champions wait 
Till all their scars are known, 

Love walks unchallenged through the gate, 

And sits beside the Throne.” 



Six Sons of James M. and Ruth Tillman Norman. Left to right: Sitting, Joe 
J., Joel, Bryant. Standing: Richard, Moses C., W. H. H., John T. Norman. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 


Christian Churches in Colquitt 


“Heaven and Earth shall pass away; 

But My Word shall not pass away .” 

—Jesus the Lord. 

The Pilgrim Fathers, who settled New England, were not 
more prompt to provide for religious worship than the pioneer 
settlers of the Colquitt section, and, by the way, there is a 
remarkable resemblance between their theology. Only in case 
of the Colquitt pioneer, he was not called a Puritan, but a 
“Primitive Baptist.” The Normans, the Tuckers, the Han¬ 
cocks, the Bakers, the Hires, the Tillmans—all these and 
practically all their neighbor settlers belonged to this “faith 
and order.” 

They had the congregational system of church govern¬ 
ment; but at that, practically all of them were loosely joined 
together in “associations.” 

Calvinists, they were, as much as the Puritans or the Scotch 
Covenanters. Once a month, their services were held, con¬ 



oid Greenfield Church, 1936 





186 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


sisting of two days each. On Saturdays all church business 
was attended to, and preaching was had at eleven A.M. 
Saturday morning. On Sunday morning, the rite of Bap¬ 
tism was performed at the nearest water convenient for im¬ 
mersion; then, back to the Church-house for a Sunday ser¬ 
mon. Listening to a sermon was called, in the minutes of 
these meetings, “sitting under the droppings of the Sanc¬ 
tuary.” The audiences gave rapt attention, as the records 
show, and as tradition affirms, three generations after their 
preachers went into “the tongueless silence of the grave.” 

We are inclined to think 
that the “Baptist Church of 
Christ, Sardis,” is the first 
church building ever erect¬ 
ed to God in the Colquitt 
territory. From inspec¬ 
tion of early minutes of 
this church organization 
now religiously kept by 
Mr. Lawrence Norman, 
Clerk of this church at 
present, we know that his 
great-grandfather Artex- 
erxes B. Norman was Clerk 
in the first years after its 
organization; and that his great-great-uncle, James M. Nor¬ 
man, was its second Clerk. The minutes of this organization, 
largely written by these Normans and John Tillman, consti¬ 
tute a very remarkable set of ancient documents. Here fol¬ 
lows a copy of the minutes of one of the regular monthly 
meetings: 

“Jan. 24, 1835. 

“The Church of Christ at Sardis met; and after sitting under the 
dropping of the Sanctuary—as we hope for the comfort of the 


u * ¥ es£**f*4*f' $4 * 

~ </*- -f •***■>■* j 

M 

y/tZr- ^ 

J* 6ftt/iy w-r'jcf#■<&' tXt** 

‘ dfP~ ~ 

^ /»*+*'*'*■ ‘ Ots'JjprCSfr 

te 








CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN COLQUITT 


187 


people of God, and the alarming of sinners—by Rev. Joel Pate, 
then and after our beloved pastor, we came into conference. 

“1* First invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 

“2. Inquiry was made after absences. 

3. A door was opened for the reception of members. One came 
forward—Timothy Bryant—and was received by experience 
of Grace. 

4 4. On motion we agreed to come to a close. Done in order. 

“J. M. Norman C. C. 

“Met Sabbath morning for the ordinance of Baptism. Then re¬ 
turned to the meeting house; and our beloved pastor spoke from 
Tim. 1:15 to an attentive congregation. J. M. N., C. C.” 

On September 27, 1837, the minutes of this congregation 
shows that two “letters of correspondence” were sent out— 
one to Bethany, and the other to Bethsaida. (Bridge Creek.) 
Henry C. Tucker and A. B. Norman were named messengers 
to convey the letter to Bethsaida; and Elijah Duke and H. C. 
Tucker were sent to Bethany. This minute record is also 
signed “James M. Norman, C. C.” Here is found the first 
record that we have been able to find about the Bridge Creek 
Church. Tradition partly runs to the idea that Bridge Creek 
is the oldest church ever organized in the County. We 
think, however, that the weight of tradition favors Sardis 
for this honor. Anyhow, we know definitely from this rec¬ 
ord, that the church named Sardis was organized in July, 
1834. The Sardis congregation celebrated the hundredth an¬ 
niversary of its founding in 1934. 

A very large graveyard is maintained at this church-house. 
Possibly two hundred marked graves. A larger number ap¬ 
pears to be unmarked. 

The graveyard at Bridge Creek is about the same size as 
that of Sardis. Among other early notables, Elder Henry 
Crawford Tucker, one of the founders of this church, and 
for many years its minister, sleeps in the Bridge Creek grave¬ 
yard, under the branches of the swamp growth of Bridge 


188 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 



Bethsaida Grave Yard at Bridge Creek 


Creek, which branches are festooned with gray Spanish moss, 
surrounded by scores of his numerous tribe, as he awaits 
the resurrection of the “Chosen.” It is one of the beautiful 
cemeteries we have seen. 

The last time we saw it, the sun was sinking behind the 
swamp growth, out of which came the love notes of a mourn¬ 
ing dove, the whole tending to fill the soul with the peace 
which is the assured end of “the upright man.” 

Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church is situated on 
the old Moultrie and Adel road, about two miles east of 
Moultrie. While much younger than Sardis or Bridge Creek, 
it is fully eighty years old itself. And its graveyard is the 
largest in the County, if we except Moultrie. In this ceme¬ 
tery are buried most of the Normans, included James 
Mitchell Norman and his wife Ruth Tillman Norman. James 
M. Norman was born March 18, 1792, in Washington’s sec¬ 
ond administration, and died September 12, 1864, at “Coker’s 
Place,” on the old Albany road—six miles north of Moul¬ 
trie. His wife was born September 18, 1798, and died 
March 8, 1884. The graves of this couple are in much 


CHRISTIAN CHURCHES IN COLQUITT 


189 


disrepair, and a marker ought to be set up to prevent their 
complete disappearance. 

Live Oak Primitive Baptist Church is some five or six 
miles north of Moultrie, on the west side of the old Moul- 
trie-Albany road. Here, side-by-side, are the graves of John 
Tucker and his wife, Susan A. Stevenson Tucker. A hand¬ 
some marble monument marks their last resting place. It 
was erected by the pious instincts of their numerous posterity, 
and will withstand the ravages of time for centuries. It is 
a credit to the whole tribe. A final observation: All these 
and practically all other Primitive Baptist congregations in 
the County have a beautiful yearly custom of assembling 
at the churches for the purpose of annual worship and home¬ 
coming, and the clearing off of the graveyards. At present, 
all the graveyards which we have mentioned in this chapter 
are impressively clean and free from weeds and debris. 

Board of Christian Education 
Rev. W. A. Kelley Phillip Covington Mrs. 0. 0. Owens 
Mrs. L. R. Barber Mrs. W. A. Kelley W. F. McCall 
Mrs. Robt. Travelute R. S. Register M. L. Lee 

E. P. Thompson.....Chairman Board of Stewards 

W. H. McKay..... Treasurer 

I. C. Johnson....Chairman Finance Committee 

W. R. Neal..Church Lay Leader 

W. A. Blasingame.District Lay Leader 

Mrs. L. R. Barber. .....President Woman’s Missionary Society 

Miss Eleanor Blanton.....Church Clerk and Treasurer 



Sardis Primitive Baptist Church 









CHAPTER XXIX 


The Moultrie Methodist Church 


The Florida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, South, held its annual session at Bainbridge, Geor¬ 
gia, in the year 1856, the exact date being January 10th. It 
was composed of the Tallahassee, Madison, Jacksonville and 
Tampa Districts of Florida, and the Bainbridge, Thomasville 
and Saint Mary’s Districts in south Georgia. Bishop Andrew 



First Methodist Episcopal Church, South 

presided, and made assignments to the Thomasville District 
for the year 1856, as follows: 

P. P. Smith, presiding elder; Thomasville Church—F. R. 
C. Ellis; Duncanville—Milton C. Smith; Grooverville—C. 
Raford; Grand Bay—A. Davis; Alapaha—P. Murdock; 
Flint River—T. J. Johnson; Fletcher Institute—R. H. Lucky; 
Ochlocknee Mission—J. W. Jackson. 





THE MOULTRIE METHODIST CHURCH 


191 


The post office at Moultrie was called “Ochlocknee” at that 
time, and had been for five years previous. The present 
town of Ochlochnee, in Thomas County, being then unknown; 
and so the Moultrie community was served by Missionary 
J. W. Jackson. This was the first effort of the Methodist 
organization to do work in Colquitt County. It is possible 
that Colquitt County had already been created before Mis¬ 
sionary Jackson reached his appointment. We have no ac¬ 
counts of the minutes of the Florida Conference for the 
years 1857 and 1858. The minutes of the annual meeting 
of this conference for 1859 and 1860 make no mention 
either of Ochlocknee or Moultrie; however, they show that 
on May 8, 1861, the Florida Conference met at Quincy, 
Florida, and that “Moultrie Mission” had assigned to it the 
same J. W. Jackson, and that he worked under R. H. Lucky, 
presiding elder of the Thomasville District. 

It is safe to say that Missionary Jackson did his preaching 
in some private residence during his 1856 assignment; and 
that during his conference year of 1861, he used the new 
two-year-old courthouse as a church. 

There is a blank in Methodist history in Moultrie from 
1861 to sometime about 1878, when Mrs. Carrie Culpepper 
called a meeting of Methodist-minded folks, at the courthouse 
of Colquitt County, for the purpose of organizing a church 
at Moultrie. The membership was composed of Lawrence A. 
Hall and his family, which included Mr. A. B. Hall, who 
resides in Moultrie yet and holds the distinction of being 
the oldest living member of the Moultrie Church. The meet¬ 
ing also included Mrs. Martha Carlton, part of the family 
of Frank Nelson, and two or three others. 

By 1883, Rev. A. D. Patterson and his family had moved 
to Moultrie from Nashville, Georgia, as had George W. 
Hooker, who came from Thomas County. It is likely that 
George Faison had lived at Moultrie more than twenty years. 


192 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Certainly the census shows that he and his family were resi¬ 
dents here in 1860. The Pattersons, the Hookers and the 
Faisons, all identified themselves with the new organiza¬ 
tion, about 1883. By this time too, a little church build¬ 
ing had been erected near the present site of the City Hall, 
and a Sunday school had been organized. Mr. Patterson 
preached at this church in a desultory way, as did Revs. 
George Stewart, Moses C. Smith and M. H. Galloway. 

By 1892, “Moultrie Mission” was recreated by the Geor¬ 
gia Conference. It was composed of the little church at 
Moultrie, “Old Greenfield,” and “Weeks’ Chapel.” R. S. 
McCord was the first preacher in charge, and H. Stubbs 
was the presiding elder. This assignment was made for 
1894. Here follows a list of preachers assigned to the 
Moultrie Methodist Church since then: 


1896— R. P. Fain 

1897— C. W. Littlejohn 

1898— W. H. Bucld 

1902— C. H. Branch 

1903— W. D. McGregor 

1904— J. C. Flanders 

1907— J. H. Mather 

1908— J. W. Wooten 

1909— L. W. Colson 
1911—J. M. Glenn 


1913— W. H. Kerr 

1914— E. M. Overby 

1918—A. W. Reese 
1921—W. F. Smith 
1923—Reece Griffin 
1925— Parker 

1927—L. P. Tyson 
1931—T. H. Thompson 
1934—W. A. Kelley 


Since the organization of the church in Moultrie, three 
buildings have been erected: First, a large frame build¬ 
ing, taking the place of the original meeting place. This 
was erected in about the year 1892. In 1903, a brick build¬ 
ing was erected on the present site of the City Hall, during 
the pastorate of Mr. Budd. Under the pastorate of Mr. 
Overby, the present beautiful and commodious edifice was 
erected on the southeast corner of First Street, South, and 
Fourth Avenue, Southeast. Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Kendall 
donated the site. Prominent among the contributors toward 


THE MOULTRIE METHODIST CHURCH 193 

the erection of this church were Dr. G. F. Taylor, R. M. 
Morrison, M. L. Lee and S. P. Turnbull. 

The present membership of this church is 1,100. The 
Sunday school organization, which is really older than the 
church organization itself, has a membership of 660. The 
present superintendent is Mr. C. H. McCall. 


Board of Stewards 


E. P. Thompson 
E. Z. Crowley 


W. A. Blasingame 


P. J. Sineath 
M. L. Lee 


W. F. McCall 
W. H. McKay 
Dr. R. H. Rogers 
T. E. Lewis 
R. B. Wright 
T. G. Walters 
R. McB. Pryor 
W. B. Dasher 
Dr. R. M. loiner 
G. W. Brantley 


Dr. C. L. Dean 
T. H. Willis 
W. E. Young 


J. F. Lockwood 
T. P. Carithers 


I. C. Johnson 
James West 
F. 0. Heard 
M. L. Battle 
R. S. Register 


I. L. Morrison 
B. B. Blalock 
B. K„ North 
E. G. Taylor 
W. R. Neal 


H. A. Williams 


J. M. Smith 
J. L. Holman 


Dr. T. H. Chesnutt 
Dr. H. M. McGehee 


L. 0. Rogers 


CHAPTER XXX 


Moultrie’s Missionary Baptist Church 


The First Baptist Church of Moultrie was constituted on 
May 30, 1880, the official presbytery being composed of Rev¬ 
erends T. A. White, A. C. Stephenson, S. E. Blitch, and Moses 
Ward. Nine persons entered the organization, which was 
housed in a very unpretentious building, about half a block 
east of the site of the present courthouse. 

About 1894, the 
church entered into 
its new building, a 
commodious frame 
structure about two 
blocks east of the 
southeast corner of 
the courthouse 
square. This was 
outgrown by 1903, 
when a brick build¬ 
ing was erected at 
the corner of Main 
St., S., and First 
Avenue, the same 
being one block 
south of the south¬ 
west corner of the 
courthouse square. Other buildings have been erected on the 
church property; so that this plant is worth, at present values 
of real estate, as much as $125,000. It is the most complete 
thing of its kind to be found in any town twice the size of 
Moultrie in Georgia, including a splendid auditorium, a com¬ 
modious parsonage, and a third building which houses the 





MOULTRIE’S MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 195 


Sunday school, of more than 1200 people. Several state-wide 
organizations have been housed by the buildings of the Moul¬ 
trie Baptist Church. 

Among the early church clerks were: A. Scarborough, J. 
G. Culpepper, W. H. Spivey, D. F. Arthur, V. W. Touchstone, 
J. T. Killen, and C. B. Allen. 

Among the early Sunday school superintendents were: S. 
G. Gregory, A. Bailey, J. L. Hall, W. A. Aaron, J. R. Hall, 
M. D. Allen, and Z. H. Clark. 

The following ministers of the Gospel have served this 
church as pastors: A. C. Stephenson, S. E. Blitch, E. H. 
Bryan, T. A. White, J. M. Waller, A. M. Bennet, Carl W. 
Minor, A. C. Cree, J. M. Haymore, J. E. Hampton, F. H. 
Farrington, Walter P. Binns, J. M. Roddy, and R. C. Gresham. 

The church was organized as a result of missionary work 
of the Mercer Association, in cooperation with the State 
Board which sent out Rev. A. C. Stephenson as a missionary. 
This was not the only work of this kind done by Mr. Stephen¬ 
son, nor is it the only Baptist church organized through his 
efforts. He was a citizen of Thomas County; and he partici¬ 
pated in the local option elections in that county and in sur¬ 
rounding counties. 

Rev. Solomon Elihu Blitch was another pioneer evangelist 
of south Georgia. Born in Effingham County, licensed to the 
ministry in Sept., 1875, ordained May 21, 1876, he served at 
various times as pastor at Sumner, Ty Ty, Isabella, Lesley, 
Andersonville, Ellaville, Enigma, Willacoochee, Pearson, etc. 
For years he was missionary of the State board, during which 
time he laid the foundations for many churches in south 
Georgia. Mr. Blitch was converted under the preaching of 
Rev. J. D. Evans, and was called to ordination by the Pleas¬ 
ant Hill Church in Colquitt County, which was his first pas¬ 


torate. 


196 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Rev. Asa Castleberry Stephenson, born in South Carolina 
in 1835, and came with his parents to Georgia in 1849, united 
the Double-branch Church in Franklin County, which church 
later ordained him to the ministry, served in the Confederate 
Army, and settled in Thomas County after the war, where he 
traveled and preached for a while without compensation. The 
Moultrie Church was a feeble band when he first came to it as 
pastor. 

Rev. E. H. Bryan had served during his ministry several 
churches of the Mercer Association. He was pastor at times 
of the churches of Big Ochlochnee, Buck Creek, Hopewell, 
and Mount Carmel. 

Rev. Thos. Alexander White, who died Oct. 1, 1919, was 
born about the year 1848, and was reared in Oxford, Geor¬ 
gia. He was a member of Gordon’s Brigade during the war. 
Taken prisoner at Fort Steadman, he was kept in prison until 
the close of the war, during which time he read a small tes¬ 
tament given him by J. B. Taylor, afterwards missionary to 
Italy. He was converted in 1866, at Salem Church, Newton 
County, where he was made a deacon at nineteen years of 
age, in which office he continued to serve until 1875, when he 
was ordained to the ministry by presbytery of Quitman Bap¬ 
tist Church. During the forty-four years of his ministry, he 
served many churches: Bainbridge, Boston, Meigs, Cairo, 
Coolidge, Moultrie, and many country churches. He did 
much building work, changing preaching stations into 
churches. He accumulated considerable property during his 
career, and having no children, he requested his wife to leave 
their property at her death to the orphans’ home at Hapeville. 
One of his living monuments is the Moultrie Church, and the 
church and community is to be thankful that it was honored 
in its early history by being associated with this “Apostle of 
the Piney-woods.” 


MOULTRIE’S MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 197 

J. M. Waller had charge of the Moultrie Church during the 
transition from barrooms to prohibition. Our information is 
that he was born in humble circumstances and had meager 
opportunities for the improvement of his mind—“but priva¬ 
tion and toil could neither deaden nor dull the spiritual aspi¬ 
rations and large hopes that stirred in his breast.” Entering 
college late in life, he was graduated in 1888, winning high 
esteem with faculty and students for faithfulness and loyalty. 
His zeal was apostolic; and he had all the courage of one of 
the early Christian martyrs. He was one of the leaders in 
the campaigns in 1898 and subsequent years to rid Colquitt 
County of barrooms, when it meant something to assume 
such leadership; but he went at it with all his ransomed pow¬ 
ers, being at the same time an Irishman and a Christian, he 
was afraid of nothing. The church under his ministry and 
that of A. M. Bennet had its heroic era. 

Speaking of the “Heroic Age” of this church organiza¬ 
tion, we are reminded that Rev. A. M. Bennet followed Mr. 
Waller, and was as much responsible as he for the fight¬ 
ing conditions that stirred the church. It was under his 
pastorate that the work commenced under Mr. Waller was 
consolidated and completed. We rode the county in the 
same buggy with him, in the last and successful Local Op¬ 
tion campaign. Mr. Bennet died suddenly at one of the 
meetings of his church, somewhere in the West, during the 
present year. 

At present, the Moultrie Church has 1525 members, and 
maintains a Sunday school which has an enrollment of 1360. 
Dr. C. G. Watson has been the Superintendent of the Sunday 
school continuously for the past twenty-one years. The board 
of deacons of the church is composed of the following mem¬ 
bers: C. J. Austin, C. B. Allen, L. R. Barber, C. Q. Trimble, 
C. G. Watson, E. 0. Sinclair, E. R. King, H. H. Whelchel, F. 


198 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


R. Pidcock, C. 0. Smith, J. Frank Norman, L. L. Moore, A. 
N. Davis, and Alex Hall. 

Miss Ruby Young is Pastor’s Assistant, Moultrie Church; 
Mrs. 0. F. Creech is Organist and Choir Director and S. M. 
DuPree, Church Clerk. 

The Colquitt County Baptist Association is composed of 
twenty-five active churches. Leon F. Hobby is Moderator, 
H. M. Melton, Vice-Moderator, E. W. Rhoden, Clerk and 
Treasurer. 


CHAPTER XXXI 


Moultrie Presbyterian Church 


Moultrie is the courthouse town of Colquitt County in Geor¬ 
gia. A Presbyterian Church was organized here, in the 
Baptist Church, on October 3, 1892, by Rev. T. J. Allison, 
the Evangelist of Savannah Presbytery. He enrolled the fol¬ 
lowing persons as members thereof, viz.: 

John A. Millsap from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

Mrs. Mary E. Millsap from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

Mrs. Mollie E. Millsap from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

William B. McPhaul from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

Mrs. Nannie L. McPhaul from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

James A. McKay from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

William C. Vereen from First Church, Atlanta, Ga. 

Mrs. Mary Vereen from First Church, Atlanta, Ga. 

Major N. McK. McNeill from Cheraw Church, S. C. 

Mrs. Jane J. McNeill from Cheraw Church, S. C. 

Mrs. Sallie Heath from Cheraw Church, S. C. 

Miss Ellen McNeill from Camilla Church, Ga. 

Burgess A. Rowland from Ashpole Church, N. C. 

A. N. McDonald from Lumber Ridge Church, N. C. 

Walter L. Wilson from Mayesville Church, S. C. 

Miss Carrie McNeill on profession of faith. 

William C. Vereen and William B. McPhaul were elected, 
ordained and installed Ruling Elders. John A. Millsap was 
elected and installed a Deacon and James A. McKay was 
elected, ordained and installed a Deacon. By a unanimous 
vote, Moultrie Presbyterian Church was the name chosen for 
this new organization. The organization was perfected and 
the church built and dedicated in June, 1893. Rev. J. B. 
Mack, D.D., evangelist of Synod of Georgia, acting as 
Moderator. Dr. Mack continued to preach at intervals dur¬ 
ing 1893. The first communion service was held in this 



200 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


church March 25, 1894. The elements were administered by 
Dr. J. B. Mack. The day was a very stormy one, as it rained 
hard and incessantly, yet there was a good congregation 
present. Dr. Mack was followed by the following ministers: 
Rev. W. A. Wynne, G. L. Cook, and N. M. Templeton during 
1894 and 1895. Revs. Malcolm MacGilliary, J. P. Word, 
and L. T. Way, during 1896-7-8-9. In 1900 Rev. W. H. 
McMeen came as 
stated supply and 
remained until No¬ 
vember, 1901. He 
was followed by 
Rev. J. C. Tims, 
who came as regu¬ 
lar pastor, Febru¬ 
ary 1, 1902. 

When the first 
building was erect¬ 
ed it was the con¬ 
census of opinion 
that Moultrie, fol¬ 
lowing “the star of 
empire” would First Presbyterian Church 

grow towards the west. This proved to be a mistake. The 
building was finally sold, and for a while the congregation 
worshipped in the Methodist Church. 

During 1903 a lot was secured and a beautiful manse 
erected. The esthetic tastes of the occupants soon found ex¬ 
pression in a row of camphor trees which they planted along 
the front of the house. These in their garb of beautiful ever¬ 
green leaves soon almost hid the manse from sight. 

At a session meeting in 1910 Elder Vereen stated that he 
did not think the Shorter Catechism was studied as it should 
be in the Sabbath School and he made an offer of $5.00 to 





MOULTRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


201 


each one in the Sabbath School who would recite the Cate¬ 
chism by the next Christmas. This offer has been renewed 
from time to time, having been an open offer now for twenty- 
six years (1936). 

Largely through the efforts of a Presbyterian Sunday 
School teacher (Mr. W. J. Vereen), who endeavored to give 
to his class of boys a place for supervised play and instruc¬ 
tion, the nucleus from which has grown the present Y. M. 
C. A. was started. 

During 1910 the need of larger equipment was clearly 
recognized, and the pastor, Rev. J. G. Venable, called a meet¬ 
ing to consider the matter. The beautiful building in which 
services are now held, costing over $30,000.00, was the re¬ 
sult. The new church was built and dedicated without cutting 
down any of the regular contributions. 

Sunday, September 29th, the last service was held in the 
old frame church. It was a sad day to many, but the change 
was inevitable. Its history was a glorious one. Within its 
unpretentious walls God had been glorified, but now that its 
work was done, it was to pass away and disappear. The new 
church, located on the corner of First Street, S. E., and Fifth 
Avenue, S. E., was occupied for the first time, October 6, 
1912. It was a glorious day for the church life of Moultrie. 
A grand union service was held both morning and evening, 
when the church was dedicated to the service of God, and 
the pastor was installed. 

The original sixteen members, only one of whom is now 
alive, has increased to about four hundred at the present 
time (1936) and many have been dismissed in the passing 
years to other churches. The Sunday School from a member¬ 
ship of twenty has grown to about two hundred and ten. 
The entire history of the church has been a record of faith 
and practical common sense. 


202 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


During Mr. Meacham’s ministry the church celebrated her 
twenty-fifth anniversary. A letter received by the pastor from 
Rev. S. L. Morris, D.D., Executive Secretary of Home Mis¬ 
sions in the Presbyterian Church of the United States, gave 
some interesting facts about the history of the church. One 
paragraph of this letter is quoted here: “I remember on 
one occasion preaching to your people on Home Missions, 
and at the conclusion, Mr. W. C. Vereen, of his own motion, 
arose and moved that the congregation support an evangelist 
in the West, and the motion was seconded by Mr. C. W. Pid- 
cock, backing his address with a subscription of $500.00. In 
a few moments, the church subscribed $1,600.00 and sup¬ 
ported the Rev. W. T. Matthews, as evangelist in Oklahoma. 
Through the instrumentality of Rev. Matthews quite a num¬ 
ber of churches were organized in Oklahoma, and he prac¬ 
tically developed the one Presbytery into the present Synod 
of Oklahoma. I want your people to know that the Moultrie 
church is thus the mother of churches in Oklahoma and that 
you never invested anywhere any money that has brought in 
greater returns to the Presbyterian Church than the support 
you gave our work in Oklahoma.” 

During Mr. Dick’s pastorate a Sunday School annex was 
built, that the young children might have better Sunday 
School training. This building was dedicated on June 20, 
1931. 

The following ministers served as, what is known in the 
Presbyterian Church as, a Stated Supply during the years 
1894-95; Reverends W. A. Wynne, G. L. Cook, and N. M. 
Templeton. During the years 1896-97-98-99: Reverends 
L. T. Way, Malcom MacGilliary, and J. P. Word. During 
the period 1900 to 1901: Rev. W. H. McMean. 

The following regular pastors have served the church since 
1901: 


MOULTRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


203 


Rev. J. C. Tims, from Feb. 1, 1902 to Feb. 1, 1907. 

Rev. J. G. Venable, from Oct. 1, 1907 to Nov. 1, 1911. 

Rev. J. W. Tyler, D.D., from April, 1912 to July, 1914. 

Rev. J. B. Meacham, from Nov., 1914 to Aug. 1, 1920. 

Rev. D. W. Brannen, D.D., from Nov. 1, 1920 to Feb. 22, 1923, 
the date of his death. 

Rev. A. D. Wauchope, from June 1, 1923 to Nov., 1926. 

Rev. A. W. Dick, from Feb. 1, 1927 to Feb. 1, 1932. 

(Rev. A. M. Gregg, stated supply, from June 1, 1932 to October, 
1932.) 

Rev. M. A. MacDonald, from Feb. 1, 1933, and is still serving 
as pastor in 1936. 

The present (1936) Board of Ruling Elders of the church 
is as follows: 

W. C. Vereen W. F. Westbrook 

D. A. Autrey S. W. Prince 

Ben VanDalsem L. A. Slade 


The present (1936) Board of Deacons is as follows: 


W. J. Vereen, Chairman 
M. C. Farley, Treasurer 


J. A. McHargue 
Charles J. Knapp 
J. S. Johnson 
M. W. Majors 
I. R. Aultman 


G. Darbyshire 
Willie Withers 
E. R. Bryan 
W. R. Latham 
C. B. Patterson 
D. G. Phillips 


Director of Young People..Mrs. George Mau 

Director of Junior Young People.Mrs. T. H. Chestnut 

Director of Music...Miss Lucile Autrey 

Superintendent of Sunday School.Mr. Ben VanDalsem 

President, Women’s Auxiliary. Mrs. J. B. Pinckard 


Approximate membership of church 
Approximate membership of Sunday school 










CD 

o3 

*o 

£ 

O 

a o 

*C 


o 

o 


• r • c\ l • 

§ . © © . 
£ H ° U g 

O W O 

S « .jHffi 

r. hJ <d 

M O , 

HH .|H HH 

W HP 
ffi 

H-H * * 

^ O 


* £ 
a 




H H 
<D H 

S O 

03 CJ 


bn 

5:2 .2 

2 ^ 
a a 

.2 ^ 
* 3eq 
0 ) 


•2 

ffi J •$ 

hG^ 

3 w 
® B 
§ 

h c/) 

CD _ 

S jw 

CD _ 

o3 » rn 

H CJ >i 

b D « 

Td O 


. » 
bn £; 

c 


cd 


> D 
hJ H 

w £ 


03 


cd 


o 

CD 


o 

H CJ 

a; w 


> 

r-H W 

U ^ J 

03 


w 2 

W H 


c 

H 

03 


W 

> 

<1 

a 

C/} 


a 

H 

C 

W 

£ 


D 

«D 


2 

2 

o 

a 


£ 

o 

CD 

£ 

a 


<C c n 


H 

o 


D r 
— D 
D H * 
D ■*""* 

6 h-4 &C/2 

LJ CD 

r K hJ fl C 
w p HH 

< 


03 


- • ^ fa 
Ph h .b 

03 


• C- 4—) 


+—• rj 

a 5 
£ w 


oj 

^3 

CJ 


Is "l. 

q2w[ 

d .5P S 2 

.fa J ^ 

J p 

O §j C 


D 


Hi 

D 


cs 

J3 03 a 


X a, 

D 3 

ffi CD 

pq z 

o 

o £ 
w 5 

50 ^ 

H 
CD 

w 

a 

od 


Sh g 

0 2 

° 2 

OJ o 

acj 

CD 

C D pfa 
■h D 


o 

Ph 


£ 

■*0 


cj 

e\ 

H 

a 

o 

2 


CD 

£ 

> 

w 


cow^u 2 









CHAPTER XXXII 


Colquitt’s Educational Facilities 


Moultrie Carnegie Library 

The Moultrie Carnegie Library was established in 1908, 
largely as a result of the efforts of Mr. John E. Howell, who 
secured an appropriation of $10,000.00 from the Carnegie 
Library Fund. He was chairman of the first library board, 
and ever zealous for its interests. This board was created 
by the authorities of the City of Moultrie. The ordinance is 
dated February 5, 1907, and shows that the Council pledged 
itself to pay $100.00 a month to maintain the library. It 
also provided for a Board of Directors, consisting of the 
following names: John E. Howell, C. B. Allen, C. W. Pid- 
cock, W. C. Vereen, W. H. Barber, J. B. Norman, Jr., J. F. 
Monk, and W. A. Covington. 

The Carnegie people demanded, as a condition precedent 
to giving the $10,000.00, that a building be erected on a 
centrally located lot, at a corner. Such a lot was found, and 
the owners, M. D. Norman, and J. B. Norman, Jr., con¬ 
tributed one-third of the value of the lot, Mr. Z. H. Clark 
gave another third, and several smaller contributions made 
up the remainder of the purchase price. The library was 
opened to the public in the year 1908. It is maintained at 
present by joint contributions of the City of Moultrie and 
Colquitt County. In supplying the building with adequate 
books, many contributions have been made, the largest being 
$1,200 contributed by the Moultrie Kiwanis Club fifteen 
years ago. 

The first librarian was Mrs. W. C. McKenzie, to whose 
executive ability much credit is due for the organization of 
the institution. Mrs. McKenzie held the position of librarian 



206 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


from 1908 to 1919, during a part of which time Miss Ola 
Mae Monk served as her assistant. Miss Lois Adams was 
librarian from 1919 to 1923. The period of 1924-25 was 
covered by Miss Annabel Conner (now Mrs. Hoyt Whelchel). 
After her, Miss Louise Aycock (now Mrs. Allen Furman), 
Miss Velma Goode, and Mrs. W. E. Young, have served in 
that capacity. Mrs. Young is the present efficient librarian. 

The library has extended its service to citizens of the 
County as a whole, and is an institution of permanent value 
as an educational force to the entire community. 

Young Men’s Christian Association 

The project of the Y. M. C. A. for Moultrie was first sug¬ 
gested at the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, 
on March 2, 1916, by Mr. F. R. Pidcock. Mr. H. Daugherty 
was the first General Secretary (December 1, 1916). 

The building was completed October 1, 1917. In April, 
1919, Mr. J. H. Kenny was elected Assistant Secretary. 

In the summer of 1921, the regular work for men and 
boys was reinforced by the commencement of work for ladies 
and girls, and a residence building hard by the building of 
the Y. M. C. A. This activity has been continuous, since 
that time. 

In 1923 Mr. Daugherty left the Association, so that he 
might take charge of Methodist Orphans’ Home, at Macon; 
and J. H. Kenny succeeded him as General Secretary, a posi¬ 
tion which he has held continuously till the present. 

During the whole of its history, the Moultrie Y. M. C. A. 
and Y. W. C. A. have functioned one hundred per cent. 

Norman Institute 

Norman Institute was founded in 1900, by Hon. J. B. 
Norman, Jr. It is located at Norman Park, Georgia, a village 


COLQUITT'S EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 207 


of some 1,200 inhabitants, located on the A. B. and C. Rail¬ 
road, about ten miles from Moultrie, in the direction of Tif- 
ton, Georgia. 

After Mr. Norman had procured buildings to be erected, 
and had provided for a substantial endowment fund, he died, 
in. His heirs have from time to time made other con¬ 

tributions, as have other Colquitt County friends. At this 
time, Norman Institute is a part of the Mercer system of edu¬ 
cational institutions, and is controlled by a board of trustees 
appointed by Norman Park Baptist Church, various Bap¬ 
tist Associations and the Georgia Baptist Convention. 

Norman Institute has a Christian faculty, every member of 
which is college-trained; second, excellent equipment for 
science; third, an excellent department for the training of 
pupils in domestic science and household arts. And the am¬ 
bition of the present management is to make Norman Insti¬ 
tute second to none as a junior college, and a fashioner of 
character. Its work spreads far beyond the County of Col¬ 
quitt; but it is as a factor in the upbuilding of Colquitt that 
we are considering it, now. 

Colquitt’s Public School System 

In 1872, the Statewide movement for free public schools 
for the children of Georgia was launched. The credit for 
the establishment of the system and its incorporation in the 
Georgia Constitution of 1868, has already been placed in 
this History. In Colquitt, at least, the term was at first only 
sixty days, and lasted from “Laying-by time” till “Fodder- 
pulling time.” The curriculum covered the “three R’s”— 
Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic; the Constitution of 1868 
providing for free education of all persons resident in the 
State between the ages of six and twenty-one years old, and 
“in the elementary branches of an English education.” 



208 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Dr. Baker E. Watkins, hereinbefore referred to, as a local 
Methodist preacher, and Colquitt’s first resident physician, 
was elected Colquitt’s first County School Commissioner. He 
held for four years; and his was the task of organization. 
Henry Gay came next, with twelve years of service. Then 
came N. M. Marchant, who served sixteen years, being him¬ 
self the first youth ever matriculated at the University of 
Georgia from Colquitt County, and who still remains with 
us, past eighty years of age, and still a man of taste and 
culture. Other commissioners have been: Hon. J. H. Smith- 
wick, Mr. John E. Howell, Prof. Lee S. Dismuke, Prof. 0. 
A. Thaxton, Prof. Frank Clark, and Prof. L. 0. Rogers— 
the last named being the present incumbent. All these men 
have been excellent workmen, and each has contributed his 
share to the upbuilding of Colquitt’s splendid system of pub¬ 
lic schools. Miss Amanda McDonald taught the first free 
school term ever organized in the City of Moultrie. Daughter 
she was of James McDonald, of “down about Pavo,” and a 
leading man of Thomas County, for more than a generation; 
wife she was to be of W. H. Gibson, popular citizen of Col¬ 
quitt for twenty years, and mother she was to be of sons Joe, 
Dan, Carl, Frank, and Eustace Gibson, and of daughters 
Mary Gibson Knapp, and Annie Gibson Green. 

Some of the other teachers during the early days of the 
system were: A. D. Patterson, L. A. Hall, N. M. Marchant, 
Montgomery M. Folsom, H. R. Hutchinson, Thomas Breedon, 
John Gibson, John A. Wilkes, and Daniel Lawson. 

At present, there are sixteen consolidated schools in Col¬ 
quitt County, as follows: Autreyville, Berlin, Center Hill, 
Cool Springs, Crossland, Culbertson, Ellenton, Funston, 
Hartsfield, Norman Park, Ocapilco, Reedy Creek, Rock Hill, 
Rose Hill, Sunset, and Ty-Ty. 


COLQUITT’S EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES 209 


The tenth and eleventh grades of all consolidated schools 
are sent for their work to Moultrie High School, Doerun 
High School, or to Norman Park Junior College. 

By special contract, all pupils residing within a radius of 
five miles from Doerun, are sent to Doerun public schools 
for all their work. This, although Doerun schools exist 
under legislative enactment, operates in practice to render 
this system itself another consolidated school. 

There are twenty-nine buses in use in connection with Col¬ 
quitt’s school system, carrying 3,160 pupils to and from 
school. 

The total enrollment of pupils in attendance at the public 
schools of Colquitt County at the beginning of the Fall Term 
1936 is 7,074 whites, and 1,870 colored. 



One of the Moultrie High School Buildings 



CHAPTER XXXIII 


Women’s Clubs 


John Benning Chapter Daughters of the American 
Revolution 

Under proper authority, the John Benning Chapter, 
Daughters of the Revolution was organized on November 
1, 1910, with twelve members, with Mrs. W. C. Vereen, Or¬ 
ganizing Regent, such authority being signed by Mrs. Julia 
G. Scott, President-General, and Mrs. John M. Graham, State 
Regent of Georgia. 

Charter Members: Mrs. Jennie Vereen Bell, Mrs. Bonnell 
Strozier Bivins, Miss Jean Patton Cameron, Mrs. Virginia 
Carroll Cree, Mrs. Harriet Holtman Chase, Mrs. Stella Ray 
Howell, Mrs. Emily Kline Shipp, Mrs. Jessie Vereen Smith- 
wick, Miss Pearl Vereen, Mrs. Ellen Vereen, Mrs. Adelle N. 
Way, Mrs. Lottie Thompson Vereen. 

Moultrie-McNeill Chapter Daughters of the 
Confederacy 

The Moultrie-McNeill Chapter of the Daughters of the 
Confederacy was organized at the home of Mrs. J. R. Hall, in 
March, 1903. Mrs. W. S. Humphreys, now deceased, was 
organizer and first president. 

The charter members of this Chapter were: Mrs. W. S. 
Humphreys, Mrs. W. C. Vereen, Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, Mrs. 
D. A. Autrey, Mrs. Kate Crenshaw, Mrs. R. L. Shipp, Mrs. 
Everett Daniel, Mrs. J. R. Hall, Mrs. P. B. Allen, Mrs. H. C. 
McKenzie, Miss Jennie Vereen, Mrs. W. J. Matthews, Mrs. 
S. F. Way, and Mrs. D. A. Fish. 



WOMEN’S CLUBS 


211 


The local chapter of the U. D. C. has the distinction of 
being oldest and the largest women’s organization in Moul¬ 
trie. It has at all times worked at the various undertakings 
looking to the preservation of the ideals of the general organ¬ 
ization. At all times, since its organization, it has sought 
out the comfort and welfare of the surviving soldiers of the 
Southern Confederacy. It has especially on Southern Me¬ 
morial Day served these survivors and theirs with a dinner, 
and put on a program of education for the young of the 
County. The beautiful monument that stands on the south¬ 
west corner of the public square is in memory of the Con¬ 
federate soldiers, and was erected through the efforts of the 
local chapter of the U. D. C. in 1909. 

The Worth While Club 

The Worth While Club was organized in the early fall of 
1907, for social and educational purposes, with thirty-five 
members. Its club room is over the Moultrie Carnegie 
Library, which is sufficiently large to accommodate the club 
meetings and social affairs, and a membership of fifty 
actives. 

The club joined the National Federation in 1909, and is 
organized along the following lines: Home Economics, 
Library Extension, Community Service, Forestry, Fine Arts, 
Child Welfare, Industrial and Social Relations and Litera¬ 
ture. 


CHAPTER XXXIV 


The Moultrie Banking Company 


The presentments returned at the November Term, 1835, 
by the Grand Jury of Thomas County show that that County 
had on hand $753.87 in notes and cash, deposited in various 
banks, three of which were in Florida, one in Alabama, and 
one in Macon, Georgia. There was no bank in Thomas 
County at that time, and the nearest bank to Thomasville was 
the “Magnolia Bank of Magnolia, Florida.” Here the town 
of Thomasville opened its first bank account. 

At the May term, 1836, of the Superior Court of Thomas 
County, the Grand Jury called attention to bad roads gen¬ 
erally, and especially the roads between Thomasville and 
Magnolia. 

Magnolia was situated up the Saint Marks River, and across 
it, opposite the present site of Newport. It is gone now; but 
it was a flourishing town then. 

There was no bank in Thomas County until 1861, when 
the “Cotton Planters’ Bank” was established in Thomasville. 
There was very little business with banks on the part of the 
people of the Colquitt section of Thomas County, so long as 
it was in the “pastoral” stage. Even as late as the 1870’s, 
when a Colquitt man wanted a little ready cash, he would 
go, either to Jack Johnson, Staten May, Ab Baker, or Jim 
Gay. At such times, the borrower would be asked to sit 
down in the house and wait a while. The lender would then 
absent himself a little while, and come back with the money. 
By 1890, the turpentine and lumber business was developing 
in Colquitt County, and better banking facilities were found 
to be necessary, and so, on the .... day of., 




THE MOULTRIE BANKING COMPANY 


213 


1896, a charter was obtained for a bank to be known as the 
“Moultrie Banking Company.” Associated in this under¬ 
taking were W. W. Ashburn, Z. H. Clark, W. C. Vereen, 
M. J. Pearsall, J. F. Spivey, John McK. McNeil, and J. B. 
Norman, Jr. W. W. Ashburn was the first president, and so 
remained until his death in 1906. W. C. Vereen was elected 
active vice-president, and so remained until president Ash- 
burn’s death, when he was elected president. This position he 
has continuously held from the date of his election to the 
present day. Z. H. Clark was originally elected cashier 
of the bank, and so remained until the date of his death on 
May, 1916, when M. L. Lee became cashier, who has held 
this position continuously until the present. The original 
capitalization of the bank was $25,000.00, and the actual 
cash paid in was $15,000. The bank has continued to grow, 
as is shown by practically every one of its financial reports 
during the last forty years. 

Until the last report, under date of September 30, 1936, 
shows it has passed into the class of “three million dollar 
banks.” The financial condition of this bank, as of Septem¬ 
ber 30, 1936, is as follows: 



Moultrie Banking Co. 






214 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


CONDENSED FORM OF STATEMENT 

MOULTRIE BANKING COMPANY 

MOULTRIE, GEORGIA 

September 30, 1936 

As Called for by State Superintendent of Banks 

Assets 

Loans and Discounts...$ 718,327.29 

Stocks ..... 12,955.00 

U. S. bonds owned— 

Direct and Guaranteed. ...$1,082,187.50 

State, County and Municipal bonds. 133,734.14 

Other bonds owned. 29,087.50 

Advances on cotton. 83,475.69 

Cash on hand and in banks... 992,222.97 

Total cash assets....... 

Banking house and fixtures.. .... 

Other real estate.... 

Other assets . ...... 


2,320,707.80 

67,062.30 

18,306.90 

229.81 


Total 


Liabilities 

Capital Stock .... 

Surplus and profits.... 

Reserve funds . . 

DEPOSITS .^.. . . 


$3,137,589.10 


.$ 200,000.00 
. 315,431.03 

12,381.20 
.$2,609,776.87 


Total . .. .........$3,137,589,10 

DEPOSITS INSURED UNDER THE U. S. GOVERNMENT PLAN 


Officers 

W. C. Vereen (elected 1906) 

F. R. Pidcock.. . 

W. J. Vereen__ 

E. M. Vereen... 

M. L. Lee..... 

M. C. Farley.. 

C. H. Lewis____ 


.President 

.Vice-President 

__Vice-President 

Active Vice-President 

.Cashier 

.Assistant Cashier 

..Assistant Cashier 




























THE MOULTRIE BANKING COMPANY 


215 


Directors 


G. J. Austin 
J. Bennison 

H. Jones 
M. L. Lee 

R. M. Morrison 
G. W. Newton 
R. L. Norman 


E. M. Vereen 
W. C. Vereen 
W. J. Vereen 
C. G. Watson 


Elkin G. Taylor 


F. R. Pidcock 
H. P. Plair 


J. R. Hall, Jr. 


Clerical Force 


Miss Sarah McPhaul, Savings Department 
George 0. Mobley, Teller 
J. Ferrell Lockwood, Teller 
W. H. McCoy, Jr., Bookkeeper 
H. Carlton Lockwood, Bookkeeper 
J. Floyd Monk, Bookkeeper. 


A bank being a public institution; and in more ways than 
one belonging to the public, must, like Caesar’s wife, be con¬ 
stantly “above suspicion.” And this is exactly what could 
be truthfully said of the Moultrie Banking Company during 
every day of its more than forty years of active life. This 
has resulted from the fact that its founders were themselves 
men of highest personal probity; and its managers have at 
all times jealously maintained its high traditions. This fact 
is a ground of proper pride, not only for the stockholders, 
but for the whole of Colquitt County. 


CHAPTER XXXV 


Moultrie National Bank 


The bank was organized January 3, 1928. The applicants 
for a charter were R. J. Corbett, R. A. Cooper, John T. Nor¬ 
man, A. G. Whitehead, and Lewis Edwards. 


The first official set-up was: 

R. J. Corbett_____ 

John T. Norman.. 

Lewis Edwards.. 

Charles F. Cook... 


.President 

.Vice-President 

.Cashier 

Assistant Cashier 


Directors 

R. J. Corbett John T. Norman 

R. A. Cooper A. G. Whitehead 

Lewis Edwards 


The present official set-up of this institution is: 


Waldo DeLoache 

R. A. Cooper_ 

J. S. Harris. 

H. S. Cohen. 

Leroy Dubberly .. 
Marian McKay.... 


. President 

...Vice-President 

...Vice-President 

Vice-President and Cashier 

..Assistant Cashier 

.Assistant Cashier 


Directors 


L. R. Barber 
Leo T. Barber 
Chas. W. Cook 
R. A. Cooper 
Waldo DeLoache 


Louis Friedlander 
J. S. Harris 
I. C. Johnson 
L. L. Moore 
E. 0. Sinclair 













MOULTRIE NATIONAL BANK 


217 


Last Official Financial Statement 


Resources: 

Loans and Discounts...$ 336,931.10 

Bonds . 277,286.14 

Stock Federal Reserve Bank. 3,900.00 

Banking House ... 7,000.00 

Furniture and Fixtures.._ 5,600.00 

Other Real Estate..... 2,085.57 

Cash on Hand and Due from Banks. 548,138.14 


Total.$1,180,940.95 

Liabilities: 

Capital ...$ 100,000.00 

Surplus . 30,000.00 

Undivided Profits . 32,581.16 

Reserves . 3,000.00 

Deposits . 1,015,359.79 


Total.$1,180,940.95 


It will readily appear that the Moultrie National Bank has 
been keeping step with the prosperity that has been general 
in Colquitt County since the organization of the institution. 
Within less than nine years from the date of its organization 
it has become a “Million Dollar Bank;” and such is the 
energy and character of its officers we are warranted in pre¬ 
dicting that it is destined to be an increasingly prominent 
factor in the future development of our great county. 













































CHAPTER XXXVI 


Moultrie Cotton Mills 


1. Date of organization: April 4, 1900. 

2. Personnel of first official set-up: 


W. C. Yereen... ...President 

W. W. Ashburn.First Vice-President 

M. D. Norman....Second Vice-President 

Z. H. Clark ...Secretary-Treasurer 


W. W. Ashburn 
W. C. Vereen 
T. I. McNeill 
D. S. Smith 


Directors 


C. E. Holmes 


D. N. Horne 
Miles Monk 
D. Sinclair 
M. J. Pearsall 


3. Present official set-up: 

W. C. Vereen.President 

W. J. Vereen....:Vice-President and Treasurer 

L. L. Dickerson...Secretary 


Directors 

W. C. Vereen F. R. Pidcock 

W. J. Vereen M. L. Lee 

L. R. Barber 

4. The Moultrie Cotton Mills was organized with a sub¬ 
scribed capital stock of $100,000.00, with authority to 
increase to $500,000.00. The original capital has been in¬ 
creased from time to time and a large part of surplus earn¬ 
ings have been carried to undivided profits and used in 
purchasing new machinery and enlarging buildings. 

Work on the buildings of the mill began in June, 1900. 
The mill was completed and active operations commenced 










220 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

April 7, 1901, with 5,000 spindles and 160 looms, together 
with all other preparatory machinery and power plant of 
sufficient size to double the capacity of the mill when needed. 
The equipment of the mill at this time is 12,000 spindles and 
300 looms, the capacity having been increased three times 
since operations first began. 

The mill has run almost continuously since it started in 
April, 1901, until the present time except for a period of 
about three weeks in 1935 together with about four or five 
weeks previously in order to install a new engine and power 
plant. 



Moultrie Cotton Mills 


During the first year of the mill’s operations about 1,500 
bales of cotton were used. In 1936 the amount of cotton 
consumed was about 6,500 bales, and during the year 1937, 
with new machinery added, it is expected that about 8,000 
bales will be used. 

Since 1933 the mill has been using two shifts of hands, 
running night and day. The mill employs at present about 
three hundred and twenty-five persons, most of whom have 
been with the company for many years. 





MOULTRIE COTTON MILLS 


221 


The goods manufactured are, for the most part, sheetings, 
drills, and osnaburgs. In the early years after the organiza¬ 
tion of the mill, a considerable portion of the goods was sold 
in China. For many years past, however, the entire product 
has been sold in the United States. 

During the first few years of the operations of the mill 
the production was about 2,600,000 yards per annum for 
cloth of various kinds. In 1936 the production of cloth is 
approximately 10,400,000 yards with new equipment which 
is being installed. In 1937 the production of goods should 
amount to about 15,000,000 yards of cloth. 

Salaries, wages, cash paid for wood for fuel, for the year 
1936 amounted to $189,000.00. Amount paid for cotton 
during the year 1936 is $390,000.00. 


CHAPTER XXXVII 


The Moultrie Packing Company 


As has been seen hereinbefore, the Pastoral Era in Colquitt 
County commenced gradually to give place to the Industrial 
and Manufacturing Era in 1890, with the coming of the 
railroads from the Coast Line and from the Georgia, South¬ 
ern and Florida, on the East. By 1898, the turpentine and 
sawmill industries were in full flower through practically 
the whole county. In other words, the magnificent yellow 
pine timber had been leased up in generally what would be 
considered short term leases. Anyhow, by 1910, the end of 
the timber industry was in sight; and people began to dis¬ 
cuss what was to follow the exhaustion of the timber. As a 
matter of fact, nothing could be foreseen except the bringing 
of the cut-over lands under the plow for purely agricultural 
purposes and there was only one crop that promised any cash 
returns of any magnitude. At any rate, citizens who were 
unable or indisposed to move away commenced the process 
of opening up the lands to cultivation. 

And then a very serious thing happened. Rumors were 
spreading that coming out of Mexico and advancing toward 
the East by great annual leaps, was an insect pest which 
swept growing cotton off the face of the earth, and threatened 
the whole future of this section. 

Possibly on account of this distressing foreboding of dis¬ 
aster, the propaganda began to trickle in for a readjustment 
of the land industries, looking to the substitution of stock 
and hog raising for cotton, as a money crop. As a con¬ 
sequence of this propaganda, and as a part of it, the people 
of Southwest Georgia began to discuss the location of “pack¬ 
ing plants” for the processing of meats in this section. Grad- 



THE MOULTRIE PACKING COMPANY 


223 


ually this propaganda assumed respectable proportions in 
Colquitt County—due to the fact that some of its citizens 
had been in the northwest and had given some study to the 
meat packing industry in that section. It was a condition of 
necessity that compelled consideration of this matter by the 
industrial leaders of Colquitt County, and so finally a mass 
meeting was called at Moultrie, and after some discussion, 
W. C. Vereen, W. H. Barber, and R. M. Morrison, citizens 
of the County at the time, were named as a committee to 
investigate the whole matter, going for that purpose to the 
northwest, and carefully studying the situation. These gentle¬ 
men had for a long while been citizens of Colquitt County, 
and had established pretty fair reputations for ultra-con¬ 
servatism; but their report made to the citizens’ meeting, upon 
their return, established the fact that they were capable of 
taking pretty liberal chances, on occasion. In other words, 
they reported favorably as to the enterprise; and backed their 
judgment by leading the subscription list to the stock. 

There is not space here to set forth the importance of this 
action and its consequences. It is sufficient to say that twenty- 
four years after the Moultrie Packing Company was organ¬ 
ized, it has revolutionized agriculture and industry in the 
whole of Southwest Georgia. Swift and Company, of course, 
operate it now, but it is extremely unlikely that this fact 
would have happened but for the courageous action of the 
organizers of the Moultrie Packing Company. 

The present owners are not disposed to talk much about 
their business, which is their right; but our investigation has 
developed the fact that the operation of this plant gives em¬ 
ployment to some 600 people at weekly wages of not less 
than $12 per week. The pay-roll during at least four months 
of the year amounts to $18,000 per week. The banner 
week was one of the weeks of the present season, in which 
the farmers of this section brought livestock to Moultiie, and 


224 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

went home with $240,000.00 in their pockets. This is enough 
to ruminate on, while we submit the first official set-up of 
the Moultrie Packing Company, so that the generations to 
come may at least know the names of these pioneers in the 
packing industry in Southwest Georgia: 

Officers 


W. C. Vereen.President 

\V. H. Barber..Vice-President 

Z. H. Clark..Secretary and Treasurer 


Directors 


W. C. Vereen 
W. H. Barber 
J. R. Hall 
John A. Carlton 
W. J. Matthews 


C. W. Pidcock, Sr. 
R. J. Corbett 
H. A. Ashburn 
R. M. Morrison 


We are glad to present them to you, ladies and gentlemen 
of the ages to come, as men who served their day and genera¬ 
tion in the widest most comprehensive way. At a most criti¬ 
cal period in the history of the County and the Section—when 
even the stoutest hearts were worried to distraction by dangers 
that beset the future, they pooled their resources in a move¬ 
ment in which was involved not only their investments but 
their credits; and all this they did, as this historian knows, 
not so much as a personal investment but as a prop and 
support to the very existence of the community in which they 
lived, and where their dead are buried. 


After the establishment and equipment of a plant for 
the processing of meats, they operated it for two and one- 
half years, and sold it to Swift & Company; and, what is 
remarkable about that transaction, they were operating at 
the time of the sale at a profit and sold the stock after two and 
one-half years of operation at $125.00, the par value of the 
same being $100.00. 







The orig i n a I Meat Packing Plant at Moultrie was financed by local capital and operated from September 
1914 until June 1917 under the name of Moultrie Packing Company with Mr. W. C. Vereen as President. 

Swift & Company purchased the plant in June 1917 and have operated it since that time under the name 
of Swift & Company. 

The first Manager for Swift & Company was F. A. Luchsinger, who remained until February 1919, when 

he was succeeded by the present Manager, Horace McDowell. 

The capacity of the packing plant in 1917 was about 25,000 cattle and hogs annually. The plant now 
has an annual capacity of 100,000 cattle and 600,000 hogs. 

The Moultrie Packing Plant pays out to live stock producers approximately six million dollars annually and 
while they purchase live stock from points all over Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, 75% 
of their purchases are made from territory within 150 miles of Moultrie. 

Moultrie has been the center of the development of the live stock industry of the Southeast due not 
only to the Swift plant being kept in continuous operation since 1917, but particularly due to the inspirational 
leadership of Moultrie citizens in encouraging production, not only in Colquitt County, but all over the South¬ 
east. 

Swift & Company officials believe the Southeast will develop live stock production many times greater 

than at present and that eventually the Southeast will produce as much beef and pork as is consumed in 

Southeastern States. 

The Swift Moultrie Plant has always made an effort to popularize Peanut Hams and other cuts from 
peanut fed hogs, considering Peanut Pork superior in quality. 


Present Plant of Swift & Co., Moultrie 


SWIFT & COMPANY 

MOULTRIE, GEORGIA 


The Original 
Packing Plant 
at Moultrie 
























CHAPTER XXXVIII 

Crime in Colquitt 


Upon a review of this History, as we are on the point of 
bringing it to a close, we find that little has been written about 
crime and criminals. And, since the space agreed upon by 
us with the publishers has been about taken up already, there 
seems little that can be done about it; and, after all, this may 
be just as well. 

There is nothing alluring about accounts of crime, espe¬ 
cially about crimes of violence. 

There are no court records in existence covering Colquitt’s 
history from 1856 to 1881. The fire which burned up the 
court-house in that year disposed of all court records, and 
tradition gives us no account of any major crimes during 
that period. 

From 1881 to 1901 was the period of lawlessness in the 
county’s history. This was the beginning of the naval stores 
and lumber industry. The pay-rolls were comparatively 
large. There was an influx of Negro labor; and there were 
from four to eleven saloons. And, as is always the case, the 
easy access to alcoholic stimulants developed crimes of vio¬ 
lence. 

But there is nothing of the heroic about crime based on 
liquor consumption; and nothing is gained, and no useful 
end is served by chronicling such matters. It is sufficient, 
we think, to register the fact that when Colquitt County 
banned the sale of intoxicants in 1902 crimes of violence 
commenced to decrease; and that they have, by this time, 
decreased one thousand per cent. In other words, the dockets 
of the criminal courts show that present Colquitt, with forty 



CRIME IN COLQUITT 


227 


thousand population, has less than a third as many crimes 
of violence as the Colquitt of 1900 with ten thousand in¬ 
habitants. 

At all and everything, however, Colquitt’s statistical 
records as to crime do not show up so bad by comparison 
with other sections. 

There has never been a white person executed for crime in 
the county. Three Negro men were hanged at separate times 
by the sheriff at the old brick jail, carrying out the sentences 
of the law and two Negro men have suffered electrocu¬ 
tion at Milledgeville in accordance with the law. Four men 
—all Negroes—have been lynched in the county. There has 



Moultrie Municipal Building 


been only one white person—Henry Harris—convicted and 
sentenced to death in the history of the county. At the fall 
term, 1897, of Colquitt Superior Court, Harris was convicted 
of murdering Henry NeSmith. It was family trouble. The 
Harris boy had married NeSmith’s daughter. The menfolk 
of both families were in Moultrie one Saturday afternoon. 
Henry Harris and his son, Bob, went to Finch’s bar, on the 
present site of Henderson Furniture Store, and bought 45 



228 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


cents worth of whisky, and from there to W. B. Duke’s store, 
on the present site of the Friedlander stores, and bought two 
cartridges afterwards. The Harrisses drove up to the Ne- 
Smiths—father and son—and killed the father. 

After the trial the wife of Harris carried a big dose of 
strychnine to her husband’s cell and passed it to him and 
watched him die in tremendous spasms. We saw her in the 
fall of 1898, walking with her son, Robert; she had just been 
discharged from prison. She had a complexion like yellow- 
tanned rawhide—a result of years of field work. Henry 
NeSmith lies in a marked grave in the “Old Greenfield 
Church,” near the Moultrie and Tallokas road. 


CHAPTER XXXIX 


Colquitt Weather 


In October, 1898, at the regular term of the Superior Court, 
we sat at a table in the dining room of the old “Fish Hotel,” 
in Moultrie. Near us sat Judge Augustin H. Hansell, the 
venerable judge of the Southern Circuit of Georgia, and a 
circuit riding Methodist preacher. Judge Hansell had been 
riding the Southern Circuit a matter of fifty years; and the 
preacher had been riding preaching circuits during the same 
length of time. They were discussing the climate of this 
section of Georgia; and they agreed that they had never 
known a crop failure on account of weather conditions. 

This statement was made some thirty-eight years ago; and 
during this time we have been familiar with this section. 
And we have never heard or seen a crop failure in Colquitt 
County. Which comes pretty close to setting up a record 
of a hundred years. And we believe the record is unique. 
Let us analyze our weather: 

We are at such a distance from the North Polar sections 
that any blizzard gets out of heart before it reaches our 
latitude. We are close enough to the Atlantic and the Gulf 
as that direct winds are sufficiently cool to render the average 
summer night cool enough to render a little “kiver” agree¬ 
able; while we are at such a distance away that we have never 
been reached by what might be called direct-blowing storms. 
And, for a century the rainfall has been ample to mature 
crops of all kinds, and so distributed through the year that 
it is possible to make an average of two crops on the same 
land each year. And the Charleston Earthquake of August, 
1886, was not even felt in this County. 



230 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


In the interest of perfect truth it ought to be said that two 
destructive storms have come through the County in the past 
ninety years. “Cyclones,” storms like these two are called in 
Georgia. They play along the face of the country, like an 
inverted spinning-top, capable of blowing everything off the 
face of the earth over a strip rarely wider than two or three 
hundred yards. They were really “whirlwinds on a big 
scale, which carry a velocity of four or five hundred miles 
to the hour in their spinning motion, as they advance along 
the country to the northeast at a rate of thirty or forty miles 
per hour. 

The first of the two storms of this kind to strike Colquitt 
came along out of the southwest, at about three o’clock of 
the afternoon of the second day of March, 1877; and, like 
all such storms, moved along towards the northeast. It came 
along between Ochlochnee and Meigs in Thomas County, 
coming along to the southeast of what is now Funston in 
Colquitt, and struck the double-pen log residence of Elder 
Henry Crawford Tucker, a matter of one and one-half miles 
north of the Moultrie and Camilla paved road. It was going 
good, too, having thrown prone on the ground thousands of 
acres of some of the finest yellow-pine timber in Georgia, 
after it had entered Colquitt. It struck the Tucker double¬ 
pen amidships, buckled down a little, and slapped every 
pound of power it had into the contest. It was a case of the 
“irresistible force coming in contact with an immovable ob¬ 
ject,” about which we have heard; but when the brief struggle 
was over, the cyclone went roaring into the Ochlochnee 
swamp, with every outhouse and tree about the Elder’s place 
prostrate, and most of them in the swamp. But the “Double- 
Pen” was there—not on account of the fact that the “Elder” 
had founded it on a rock; but because it was necessary for it 
to be moved as it stood, if it was to be moved at all. All the 
logs were joined together by wooden corner pins. 


COLQUITT WEATHER 


231 


Sheriff Davied Murphy lived some distance south of the 
Tucker place; and we have heard his sons Henry and Aaron 
tell how they were called out on the porch of their resi¬ 
dence to see this cyclone pass. And how they went with their 
father the next day to help Elder Tucker gather up the con¬ 
tents of his smokehouse out of the Ochlochnee swamp—hams, 
shoulders, heads, jowls and sides. For sixty years, this storm 
has been called by the settlers along its route the “Tucker 
Hairycane.” It was a honey; but it is rather discouraging 
for a “hairycane” to run into a forest of virgin yellow pines, 
with residences averaging four or five miles apart, and 
double-pens, when reached. This one, after crossing the 
Ochlochnee, proceeded to blow things around on the farm of 
Isaac Royal. Next, it tackled the farm of Daniel Highsmith. 
After that, it jumped down on the farm of the Widow Bulloch; 
and our last accounts trace it to the house of Joe Weeks, and 
possibly to the premises of Flournoy Clark. 

The only other such storm, since the first settlement of this 
County passed over Moultrie, one morning, some twenty 
years ago. No one was injured, and only two or three small 
buildings were blown down. This cyclone was a terrible 
looking thing; but it was traveling rather high. However, 
when the next one comes along, it will pass through a denser 
population, and so may do much harm. Witness the damage 
worked at Cordele and Gainesville, during March of the 
present year (1936). And so it would be the part of the 
highest prudence for each residence to have a storm cellar; 
and similar precautions taken to protect the children as¬ 
sembled in our ever-increasing school buildings. 


t 



WM. HENRY BARBER 





HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


233 


William Henry Barber 


W. H. Barber, one of the most important among the original 
developers of Colquitt County, was born near Catharine Lake, 
Onslow County, N. C., on April 8, 1862. His parents, Thomas 
R. Barber and Alavana (Groves) Barber, were both born in 
the State of North Carolina, the former near Catharine Lake, 
February 15, 1826, and the latter at Hamilton, Martin 
County, February 15, 1833. 

Mr. Barber’s great-grandfathers, Joseph Barber and Hil¬ 
lary Brinson, were soldiers in the American Army during 
the Revolutionary War. The Barbers are of Irish extraction, 
the Brinsons are Scotch, and the Groves family is of English 
descent. 

Thomas R. Barber enlisted in March, 1863, as a private 
in Company H, Third North Carolina Cavalry, and partici¬ 
pated in the engagements at Hanover Court House, Rona 
Mills, Munk’s Neck, Drewry’s Bluff and Franklin, Va., and 
in the military operations around Richmond, remaining in 
the Confederate service until the close of the conflict. His 
regiment was a part of W. H. Lee’s division of Stuart’s 
Cavalry Corps. 

The marriage of Thomas R. Barber and Alavana, the 
daughter of Wm. E. and Matilda (Kiell) Groves, occurred 
on February 8, 1857. They became the parents of nine chil¬ 
dren, five sons and four daughters. 

Wm. H. Barber’s boyhood was passed during the trou¬ 
blous years following the Civil War, so that his opportunities 
to acquire an education were rather limited. He remained 
on his father’s farm until August, 1879, when he went to 
Bertie County, N. C., where he clerked in a country store 
for about two years. He then went to Kinston, N. C., and 



234 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


worked in a store for one year, and at the end of that time 
he returned to the old farm home, near Catharine Lake, 
and attended school for five months. For the next six years 
he was in the employ of a merchant named M. T. Horne, at 
Chinquapin, N. C.; and in January, 1889, he came to Worth 
County, Ga., where he worked on Mr. Horne’s turpentine 
farm for about one year, and at the end of this time he formed 
a co-partnership with Mr. K. W. Horne for the manufacture 
of naval stores in Colquitt County, Ga., in which line of in¬ 
dustry he remained practically to his death, and in which he 
achieved phenomenal success. 

In 1899, the Citizens Bank was organized at Moultrie, with 
Mr. Barber as vice-president. Three years later, Mr. Barber 
was promoted to the position of president of this institution, 
and held this position to the date of his death. He was one 
of the original promoters of the Moultrie Telephone Ex¬ 
change, of the Moultrie Ice and Cold Storage Company, the 
Moultrie Cotton Mills, and the Colquitt County Cooperage 
Company. Later in life he acquired enormous interests in 
the naval stores industry in the State of Florida. In co¬ 
operation with a few other daring spirits he undertook an 
entirely new development in Colquitt County, when a pack¬ 
ing plant for the processing of meats was built at Moultrie. 
This enterprise was perhaps the most important one that was 
ever started in Colquitt County and was epochal in the in¬ 
dustrial history of South Georgia. In the ages to come, there¬ 
fore, tribute will be paid without stint to Mr. Barber and his 
associate promoters of this enterprise. 

Mr. Barber was married in March, 1892, to Miss Florence 
F. Parrish, daughter of W. W. Parrish and Roseline Juhan 
Parrish, of Berrien County, Ga. To this union six children 
were born, as follows: 

LeRoy Barber, Moultrie, Ga. 

Myrtle Barber, Moultrie, Ga. 

W. H. Barber, Jr., Moultrie, Ga. 


WILLIAM HENRY BARBER 


235 


Elizabeth Barber (Mrs. R. 0. Watson), Tallahassee, Fla. 

Lucy Barber (Mrs. Wilbur Boozer), Tallahassee, Fla. 

Florence Barber (Mrs. Foreman Dismuke), Columbus, Ga. 

Mr. Barber died suddenly at his home in Moultrie, Ga., on 
November 12, 1923. Mr. Barber was a life-long member of 
the Missionary Baptist denomination. He was active in the 
erection of the present imposing building of the First Baptist 
Church at Moultrie. For years immediately preceding his 
death, he served as a member of the Board of Deacons of this 
church, and as the teacher of the Men’s Bible Class in the 
Sunday School. 

This historian was for some years the legal adviser of Mr. 
Barber, and appends a few anecdotes of a personal nature 
which will serve to illustrate what he thought of his duties 
as a member of society: 

Once a friend of the writer—an elderly man of somewhat 
limited means—came to the office of the writer, and asked 
him how he might raise two or three hundred dollars to pay 
for a course in pedagogy for his young daughter, who wanted 
to qualify herself for teaching. “Go to Mr. Henry Barber,” 
we said, “he’ll let you have it.” “But I have a past-due 
note at his bank already,” said our friend. “All the same,” 
we answered, “go over and see right now—he’ll let you have 
it.” A matter of two hours afterwards, we met the two men 
coming down the sidewalk, arm-in-arm, and looking as 
friendly as one could wish. “Well, Judge,” said our friend, 
“I got it just like you said.” “Yes,” said Mr. Barber, “when 
I first came to this country, and was hired as a turpentine 
woods-rider, The Major’ (I always called him ‘The Major,’ 
since he was a soldier in the Confederate War) let me run a 
little open account at his store. Yes, and I always try to 
take care of ‘The Major,’ and besides all that his daughter is 
a very deserving child, and she’ll pay me the loan.” 


236 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


At another time, a few of us friends of Mr. Barber being 
a little younger than he was—were ragging him a little about 
being close with his money. He laughed good-naturedly, and 
said, finally, “Boys, I know that you know I enjoy this kind 
of conversation as much as you do; but I feel that I ought 
not to let the occasion pass without telling you for your own 
good that this very quality of being ‘saving’ has enabled me 
during the past week to extend from my personal funds as¬ 
sistance to more than 50 distressed farmers who could get no 
help from the banks.” (This happened during the so-called 
Hoke Smith panic, in 1908, when the banks suspended pay¬ 
ments.) 

This writer had an option on a piece of farm property and 
asked Mr. Barber to find a purchaser, offering him half of 
his commission. He sold the property, but when it came to 
making papers, he said the purchaser was Mr. D. N. Horne, 
and that his past relations with him were such that he could 
not afford to take his part of the commission, and so asked 
that it be turned over to Mr. Horne. 

In a recent conversation with us, Hon. W. C. Yereen paid 
very high tribute to the courage of Mr. Barber, as displayed 
in more than one financial venture in which they both were 
interested. Mr. Vereen especially remembers Mr. Barber’s 
stubborn courage when things did not look so good as to the 
future of the Moultrie Packing Co., of which they were both 
founders and directors. At one time, he says there seemed to 
be some transfer of holdings of some of the stockholders but 
not a movement that indicated demoralization on the part of 
W. H. Barber was ever made by him. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


237 


Frank Jarvis Bivins 


This citizen of Colquitt County for many years was born 
near Pineville, Ga., in the County of Marion. He was edu¬ 
cated in the common schools of Marion County and was 
graduated from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, at Au¬ 
burn, Ala. Occupation, real estate broker. Profession, civil 
engineer. At one time cashier of a bank. Independent 
Democrat. Episcopalian. Kappa Alpha college fraternity. 
Author of “Dead Horse In the Spring Branch” 

He was a captain in the Officers’ Training Camp at college. 
He was mayor of Cordele, Ga., about 1896. His father was 
Martin Luther Bivins, a native of Wilkes County, Ga., who 
was married on June 1, 1860, and who died in 1879. Martin 
L. Bivins was a Justice of the Inferior Court in Marion 
County, fought in the Battle of Atlanta in 1864, and freed 
his slaves on his own motion as an act of justice. Mother 
of F. J. Bivins was Marthena Caroline Cox, who was born in 
1879, and who was a sister of the founder of Cox College. 

Martin Luther Bivins, Sr., was a son of William Bivins, 

and Miss.Hall. William Bivins was a soldier of the 

Revolution. When LaFayette came to the United States in 
his old age, about 1825, William Bivins journeyed to Wash¬ 
ington, Ga., for the purpose of shaking the hand of his dis¬ 
tinguished comrade, which he did. 

Frank J. Bivins married Bonnell Strozier in Meriwether 
County, Ga. She was born in 1879, and still survives. She 
was graduated from LaGrange Female College. She is a 
daughter of John Lucillius Strozier, a captain in the Confed¬ 
erate Army, a native of Meriwether County, and a resident 
there until his death in 1912. 




238 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Mother of Bonnell Strozier Bivins was Sarah Carolina 
Robertson, born in 1845, in Meriwether County, Ga. She 
was a first-honor graduate of Wesleyan Female College, and 
now resides at Glennville, Ga., in the full possession of all 
her mental and physical powers. 

Names of the children of F. J. Bivins and Bonnell Strozier 
Bivins: 

Bonnell Bivins, born in 1899. 

Martin Luther Bivins, born in 1902. 

Jas. McAlpin Bivins, born in 1908. 

Frank J. Bivins and his family moved to Moultrie in 1900 
and resided there until the date of his death, 1932. He was 
engaged in the real estate business, and life and fire insur¬ 
ance, and finally in loans. With G. A. Horkan, he organized 
the “Angelus Mutual Insurance Company” about the year 
1910. 

Wesley Futrell Blasingarne 


The subject of this sketch was born on April 7, 1869, 
in Crawford County, Ga. His education was obtained in the 
common schools and in the dental department of the Southern 
Medical College in Atlanta. The date of his diploma was 
1890. He immediately entered into the practice of dental 
surgery, and has been in such practice until now. 

He is a Methodist, a Democrat, a K. of P., and an Odd 
Fellow. 

The name of the father of W. F. Blasingarne was John 
Wesley Blasingarne, born in 1840, in Monroe, Ga. He mar¬ 
ried in Crawford County, Ga., and died, 1905, at Moultrie. 
He was first a farmer, then a school teacher, and then a mer¬ 
chant. His wife was Eliz. Vashti Futrell, born in Monroe, 
and died in 1896 in Yatesville, Upson County, Ga. Her 



WESLEY FUTRELL BLASINGAME 


239 


education was derived in the common schools and she de¬ 
voted much time to uplift and betterment of the “forgotten 
people” in the community where she lived. 

The name of the paternal grandfather of W. F. Blasingame 
was Powell Blasingame. He was born in Monroe, Ga., he 
being the son of a French Huguenot immigrant. 

The name of the maternal grandfather of W. F. Blasin¬ 
game was Cicero Futrell, bom in Crawford County in 1823; 
married, 1869; died, 1906, in Crawford County. He was a 
farmer, and the name of his wife, the mother of W. F. Blasin¬ 
game, was Rebecca Smith, native of Crawford County, Ga. 

W. F. Blasingame was married in October, 1891, in Craw¬ 
ford County. The maiden name of his wife was Lena Rivers 
Jack, born February 22, 1870, in Upson County, Ga., and 
died July 8, 1936, in Moultrie. The name of her father was 
J. W. Jack, born in Upson County, where he was married 
about 1867. He is now dead. He was a farmer for a great 
part of his life, but for twenty-five years before his death he 
was Clerk of Superior Court of Crawford County. The 
maiden name of the mother-in-law of W. F. Blasingame was 
Lydia Grace, of Crawford County, who died in 1905. 

The children of W. F. Blasingame and his wife, Lena 
Rivers Jack Blasingame, are as follows: 

W. A. Blasingame, born June 27, 1891. 

Willie Mae Blasingame, born March 4, 1893. 

Chas. Guy Blasingame, born May 10, 1895. 

W. A. Blasingame married Miss Mary Sims, daughter of 
Dr. Sims, of Barnesville, Ga., a dentist. They have the 
following children: Marilyn, 9; Elizabeth Ann, 6. 

Willie Mae Blasingame married W. C. Mather, of Llolly- 
wood, Fla., an attorney. This couple have two children: 
Mae, 14; Jean, 12. 


240 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Chas. Guy Blasingame married Miss Ruby Parks, of 
Meansville, Ga., and this couple has one child: Guy, Jr., 3. 

W. A. Blasingame is a well-established business man, a 
resident of Moultrie, having a flourishing drug business and 
extensive farming interests. 

Guy Blasingame also owns and operates a flourishing drug 
business here. 

James William Coleman 


J. W. Coleman, the subject of this sketch, was born on June 
15, 1871, at Swainsboro, in Emanuel County, in the State of 
Georgia. He was educated in the common schools of that 
county. During his life, he has been extensively engaged in 
farming, practical mechanics and in construction work, doing 
well in all. 

He is a Primitive Baptist by profession of religious faith, 
and is a Democrat in politics. 

Mr. Coleman invented an animal self-feeder, and received 
a patent in January, 1924. 

He was a District Road Overseer in 1896-1898. He was a 
District Road Commissioner in 1898-1900. He was a mem¬ 
ber of the Board of Education of Colquitt County, 1900 to 
1906. He was Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of 
Roads and Revenues from 1906 to 1912. He was a member 
of the City Council of Moultrie in 1910-1912. 

The father of J. W. Coleman was James Elsie Coleman, 
born on November 18, 1846, in Emanuel County, Ga.; mar¬ 
ried in May, 1870, in Emanuel County, Ga., and died on 
April 12, 1928, in Emanuel County, Ga. He was a farmer 
by profession, and did service in the Confederate army in 



JAMES WILLIAM COLEMAN 


241 


1864 and 1865. He invented the “Coleman Long-Staple 
Gin” in February, 1895. 

The maiden name of mother of J. W. Coleman was Lavina 
Lanier, and she was born on April 11, 1852, in Emanuel 
County, Ga., and died on April 27, 1932, in Emanuel County, 
Ga. She was the mother of eight sons and four daughters, 
of whom seven sons and three daughters are living. 

Name of paternal grandfather of J. W. Coleman was Wil¬ 
liam Coleman, born August 10, 1819, in Emanuel County, 
Ga.; married in 1840, and died on November 7, 1898. He 
was a successful farmer and mechanic, and a Confederate 
soldier during the whole of the Civil War. The maiden name 
of the paternal grandmother of J. W. Coleman was Sarah 
Sutton, born in Emanuel County, Ga., in 1821, and died in 
the same county in 1877. 

The maternal grandfather of J. W. Coleman was Wm. 
Lanier, born September 26, 1825; married in 1849, and died 
on September 24, 1910; all of which events happened in 
Emanuel County. He was a Confederate soldier from 1863 
to 1865. Maiden name of the maternal grandmother of 
J. W. Coleman was Sallie Clifton, born November 22, 1822, 
in Bulloch County, Ga., and died on August 9, 1885, in 
Emanuel County, Ga. 

J. W. Coleman was married on January 21, 1894, in Bul¬ 
loch County, Ga., to Miss Sallie Elizabeth Temples, who was 
born on February 2, 1871, in Wilkinson County, Ga., and is 
still living in Colquitt County, Ga. She was a daughter of 
Hudson Temples, who was born March 15, 1843, in Wilkin¬ 
son County, Ga., and married on September 13, 1864, in 
Wilkinson County, Ga. He was a minister of the Gospel for 
more than 50 years. Maiden name of mother-in-law of 
J. W. Coleman was Mariah Carr, born in 1844 in Wilkinson 


242 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


County, Ga., and died January 25, 1876, in Wilkinson 
County, Ga. 

There is now in life one child, the issue of the marriage of 
J. W. Coleman and Sallie Elizabeth Temples, a daughter 
named Vista, who was born on April 1, 1899, in Colquitt 
County, and who is now the wife of Ray S. Hall, prominent 
citizen of Baker County, Ga. This couple has two children, 
William Calvin Hall and Bettie Temples Hall. 

J. W. Coleman, the subject of this sketch, moved with his 
wife to Colquitt County in January, 1894; purchased a farm 
three miles north of Moultrie, and lived on it till 1905. 
First engaged in farming, and then in lumber manufacturing 
business, moving to Moultrie in 1905. In 1908 built and 
operated the first modem cotton ginnery in Colquitt County. 
He built and operated the first fertilizer mixing plant in the 
county. Built and operated the first modern cotton and stor¬ 
age warehouse in the county. And generally assisted in the 
county’s development. 

William Alonzo Covington 


W. A. Covington was born January 19, 1869, in the back- 
woods of northwest Cherokee County, Ga., being oldest 
child of Sidney Stanhope Covington and Honor Adeline 
Burns, and a grandson of A. J. Covington and Olivia Ellis 
Covington, and of Henry Burns and Anne Rhine Burns. 
Both parents of W. A. Covington are natives of Georgia. 
His paternal grandparents were natives of Rutherford County, 
N. C., and his maternal grandparents were natives of Spar- 
tanburgh district, S. C. 

W. A. Covington is a graduate of Reinhardt College 
(1887), and of Emory College (1896). He is a Methodist, 
a Mason, a K. of P., a W. 0. W., and an Odd Fellow. He 



WILLIAM ALONZO COVINGTON 


243 



W. A. and Burney S. Covington 


has been mayor of Moultrie several terms, and a representa¬ 
tive of Colquitt County in the General Assembly of Georgia 
in 1905, 1906, 1907 and 1908. Also in 1919-20 and in 
1923-24. He was the author (with L. G. Hardman), of 
Georgia’s Prohibition Statute of 1907. He is responsible for 
the action of Georgia’s Legislature in the destruction of the 
Convict Lease System, in 1908. 

He came to Colquitt with J. H. Smithwick in 1898, and 
with him organized a partnership for the practice of law. 
He was appointed Judge of the City Court of Moultrie by 
Governor Candler, and served till his election to the Legis¬ 
lature. 

W. A. Covington married Miss Burney Sheffield on May 
12, 1897, at Arlington, Ga. She is a daughter of Hon. 
Henry Sheffield, Judge of the Superior Courts of the Pataula 
Circuit of Georgia, and of his wife, Ida Holder Sheffield. 
Her progenitors are all prominent among the pioneers of 



244 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


original Early County, Ga,. She is an alumna of Wesleyan 
Female College (1896). 

Children of W. A. Covington and Burney S. Covington 
are: 

Sidney S. Covington, died June, 1934. 

Dorothy Covington (Mrs. J. L. Pilcher), Meigs, Ga. 

Wm. N. Covington, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Philip Stanhope Covington, Moultrie Attorney. 

Drew Roberts Covington, died in infancy. 

Catherine Covington, died in infancy. 

Waldo DeLoache 


The subject of this sketch was born on March 3, 1898, 
at Glennville, Tattnall County, Ga. His education was re¬ 
ceived in the common schools of Tattnall County, and was 
finished at Mercer University, from which he was graduated 
in 1919, with the degrees of A.B. and LL.B. He was ad¬ 
mitted to the practice of law at the date of his graduation in 
Macon, Ga. He is a Baptist and a Democrat. 

He was a private in the World War, serving in the United 
States forces at Fort Screven, Ga. He removed to Moultrie, 
in Colquitt County, immediately after graduation, where in 
a very short while he built up a very lucrative practice. 

In 1931 he was appointed Judge of the City Court of 
Colquitt County by Governor Richard B. Russell, Jr. He 
was elected to succeed himself in this office in September, 
1934. He resigned in January, 1935, in order to accept 
appointment as State Director for the Georgia Federal 
Housing Administration. This office he resigned in Decem¬ 
ber, 1936, and re-entered the practice of law at Moultrie, 
Ga., and entered the management of his extensive business 
interests in this section. 



WALDO DkLOACHE 


245 


Mr. DeLoache was the son of Alexander Joseph DeLoache, 
who was born September 30, 1854, in Tattnall County, Ga.; 
married on December 28, 1876, in Tattnall County, Ga., in 
which county he passed out of this life on August 17, 1930. 

The maiden name of the mother of Waldo DeLoache was 
Sarah Elizabeth Burkhalter, who was born on September 17, 
1861, in Tattnall County, Ga., and who still survives. 

The name of the paternal grandfather of Waldo DeLoache 
was Jesse DeLoache, who was born on March 12, 1816, in 
Tattnall County, Ga.; married in the same county in 1836, 
and passed out of life in Tattnall County in 1874. He was 
a soldier in the armies of the Southern Confederacy. 

The maiden name of the paternal grandmother of Waldo 
DeLoache was Elizabeth Smith, of Tattnall County, Ga., who 
died in that county on March 31, 1890. 

The maternal grandfather of Waldo DeLoache was John 
Michel Burkhalter, who was born February 27, 1825, in 
Tattnall County, Ga.; married in June, 1848, in the same 
county, and died on January 8, 1863, at South Newport, 
while on active duty in the armies of the Confederacy. 

The maiden name of the maternal grandmother of Waldo 
DeLoache was Mary Elizabeth Smith, who was born on Jan¬ 
uary 30, 1831, in Tattnall County, Ga.; died on September 
11, 1908, in that county. 

Mr. Waldo DeLoache was married on July 28, 1921, in 
Clay County, Ga., to Miss Clyde Killingsworth, a native of 
Clay County, Ga., having been born April 5, 1899. She 
was the daughter of Emmett Walton Killingsworth, who was 
born March 12, 1866, in Clay County, Ga., and who was 
married in Clay County, Ga., where he still survives. 

The maiden name of the mother-in-law of Waldo DeLoache 
and the wife of E. W. Killingsworth was Susan Sanders, a 
native of Clay County, Ga. She survives with her husband. 


246 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


The children, being the issue of the marriage of Waldo 
DeLoache and Clyde Killingsworth DeLoache, are: 

Waldo DeLoache, Jr., born August 5, 1924, departed this life on 
April 14, 1933. 

Michel DeLoache, born October 3, 1934, who, with his parents, 
lives at Moultrie, Ga. 

Mr. DeLoache is genial and philosophic in his tempera¬ 
ment, is an excellent lawyer, and a highly successful busi¬ 
ness man. He has a healthy interest in the social and polit¬ 
ical problems; reads extensively, and is a very eloquent pub¬ 
lic speaker. His friends are very proud, and have every 
right to be, of his accomplishments in the ordinary activities 
of a young man of this age, and are well convinced that the 
most of the achievements of his life are in the future. 

Mrs. Waldo DeLoache is deservedly popular among all 
classes, in Moultrie in her own right, and by virtue of many 
charms of manner and heart. The entire community has 
therefore been much pleased at the recent return of the 
DeLoaches to permanent residence here. 

Montgomery M. Folsom 


The subject of this sketch was born near Hahira, in 
Lowndes County, Georgia, on January 31, 1857. His grand¬ 
father, Randall Folsom, a scholarly man over in Lowndes 
had a namesake and cousin of the same name, who for many 
years lived over on the eastern side of Colquitt, and who died 
there a few years ago, at the great age of ninety-three. All 
the Colquitt Folsoms are kin to Colquitt’s Randall Folsom, and 
consequently to Montgomery Folsom. 

Montgomery also taught school down in the southeast 
corner of Colquitt for one term, at least. One of his pupils 



MONTGOMERY M. FOLSOM 


247 


was Frances Edna Croft, daughter of Nathaniel Croft and 
Mary Anne Hiers Croft, both of whom were born in South 
Carolina. Montgomery married Frances Edna on November 
13, 1879. 

All this by way of showing that although strictly speaking, 
Montgomery Folsom is not one of Colquitt’s sons, he might, 
with perfect justice and propriety, be claimed by Colquitt, 
as her distinguished son-in-law. This historian saw him only 
once—in 1891, when he was doing work on one of the At¬ 
lanta papers; but we were already familiar with his fine 
poetry and prose writings. When we moved to Colquitt, we 
were much pleased to meet the Colquitt County Folsoms, as 
well as his wife’s relatives, the Crofts. 

Afterward, we met his wife and some of his fine children in 
Atlanta, when we were in the legislature from Colquitt 
County. We once asked Mr. D. MacDonald about him, he, 
being a cousin of Folsom, and a schoolmate at one time. 
He stated, among other things, that one day he found Mont¬ 
gomery then a mere child, weeping over a flower, which he 
had accidentally crushed. 

We subjoin here in conclusion of this chapter two of 
Montgomery Folsom’s best poems. If the reader cares to 
read more about him, we refer him to the Appendix to this 
book. 

Jeff Hancock’s Bull 
(By Montgomery M. Folsom) 

(Copyrighted in Scraps of Song and Southern Scenes) 

Jeff Hancock’s my neighbor. One mornin’ last spring 
When skeeters were jist a beginnin’ to sing, 

I went over thar to git one of his plows, 

And found him a pennin’ a fine bunch of cows. 


248 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


“What news?” says I, “neighbor, you’ve jist come from town?” 
“No news, ’cept I’ve arrangements with Brown, 

To git my supplies of guanner an’ bacon; 

He said ’twer the fortieth mortgage he’d taken.” 

“You’ve got some fine stock.” “Yes, jist look at that calf; 
He’s the fines’ bull yearlin’ round ’ere by half; 

His horns sets jist right, and do look what a neck! 

His daddy’s half Jersey, and his mammy’s Ole Speck. 

“His hair is jist es soft an’ es fine as split silk; 

I’ll let ’im run out an’ have all of her milk, 

An’ then, he’ll improve all my cattle, ye know.” 

“Well, yes,” says I, “Jeff, that is shore to be so.” 

The yarlin’, he growed and got powerful fat, 

An’ ’is hide were es slick es the Parson’s new hat; 

His horns set es purty as purty could be, 

An’ the beatenes’ neck that ye ever did see. 

One day, ’twere along ’bout the middle of June, 

An’ I were a smokin’ an’ takin’ my noon— 

I looked an’ seed Jeff come apokin’ along, 

An’ I knowed right imejitly sumthin’ were wrong. 

“Come in—have a chair—been to dinner?” says I. 

“I’ve been through the motion,” says he, mighty sly; 

“But as shore’s ye’re borned, it’s a mighty poor eat, 

When a feller’s got dinged little bread an’ no meat. 

“That yearlin’ is not near so fine es he wus; 

His hair it aire sorter beginnin’ to fuzz; 

His neck aire so spinlin’ he never can fight; 

His legs aire too long, an’ his horns don’t set right; 


“He are gittin’ to be—though I ’spose he aire sound— 
The ugliest yearlin’ on top o’ the ground; 

My craps but half made, an’ my store account’s full, 
An’ it’s do on short rashuns, or butcher that bull.” 


MONTGOMERY M. FOLSOM 


249 


“Hoi’ on,” says I; “Jeff, ye’re in too big a haste; 

To kill that bull yearlin’ aire absolute waste.” 

“I know it; but I can’t work ’thout eatin’, ye know.” 
“Well, yes,” says I; “Jeff, that aire shore to be so.” 

So this were the end of Jeff’s big specerlation, 

Improvin’ ’is stock with ’is big calkerlation. 

They eat up ’is meat, used his tail for a cracker, 

An’ bartered ’is hide fur some salt an’ terbacker. 

Now this aire the moral, or else I’m mistaken: 

Ye can’t have fine stock till ye raise ye’re own bacon; 
Men’s notions aire big when their stummicks are full; 

It were skacety of bacon kilt Jeff Hancock’s bull. 

Whip Poor Will 
By Montgomery M. Folsom 
(Copyrighted in Scraps of Song and Southern Scenes) 

When purpling shadows westward creep, 

And stars through crimson curtains peep, 

And south winds sing themselves to sleep; 

From woodlands heavy with perfume 
Of spicy bud and April bloom, 

Comes through the tender twilight gloom, 

Music most mellow, 

“Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will—Will, oh!” 

The bosom of the brook is filled 
With new alarm, the forest thrilled 
With startled echoes, and most skilled 
To run a labyrinthine race, 

The fireflies light their lamps to chase 
The culprit through the darkening space— 

Mischievous fellow, 

“Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will—Will, oh!’ 


250 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


From hill to hill the echoes fly, 

The marshy brakes take up the cry, 

And where the slumbering waters lie 

In calm repose, and slyly feeds 

The snipe among the whispering reeds, 

The tale of this wild sprite’s misdeeds 
Troubles the billow: 

“Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will—Will, oh!” 

And where is he of whom they speak? 

Is he just playing hide and seek 
Among the thickets up the creek, 

Or is he resting from his play 
In some cool grotto, far away, 

Where lullaby-crooning zephyrs stray, 

Smoothing his pillow? 

“Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will—Will, oh! 

Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will, Whip po’ Will—Will, oh!” 

Richard Lewis Free 


R. L. Free was born September 17, 1874, near Damascus, 
Early County, Georgia. Graduated from Mercer Univer¬ 
sity in 1901, B.S. Degree. Taught school 1901-5. Naval 
stores operator, 1905-10. In banking business Doerun, Geor¬ 
gia, as officer and stockholder, 1909-27. Also farming during 
this time. 

Baptist, Democrat, Mason, Woodman, Elk. Councilman, 
City of Doerun, Georgia, 1909-15. Member of Board of 
Education, Doerun, 1915-30. 

R. L. Free was child of Lewis Manly Free, who was born 
September 25, 1839, in Edgefield County, South Carolina, 
married February 4, 1868, in Miller County, Georgia, and 



RICHARD LEWIS FREE 


251 


died on November 4, 1911, at Damascus, Georgia. He 
served four years in the Civil War, being a member of Stone¬ 
wall Jackson’s corps in the army of Northern Virginia, sur¬ 
rendered under Lee at Appomattox. Baptist and successful 
farmer. 

Mother of R. L. Free was Julia Alice Hardy, born on May 
14, 1850, in Edgefield County, South Carolina, and died on 
August 12, 1924, at Arlington, Georgia. Active member of 
the Baptist Church. Educated in advance of her time, she 
did real pioneer work in the church, organizing and carrying 
forward Sunday School work. Having studied medicine, she 
gave freely of her time to the relief of suffering in the com¬ 
munity in which she spent her life. Richard Hardy Free was 
the paternal grandfather of R. L. Free, and was horn on Feb¬ 
ruary 11, 1815, in Edgefield County, South Carolina, and died 
in Decatur County, Georgia. He served with distinction as 
captain during the Civil War, was a Baptist and a large 
planter in Decatur County. 

Maiden name of maternal grandmother of R. L. Free was 
Julia Ann Lanier, horn December 20, 1818, in Edgefield 
County, South Carolina, and died in December, 1912, in 
Miller County, Georgia. 

R. L. Free married Stella Pickren, on October 19, 1910, 
in Savannah, Georgia. She was bom on October 14, 1885, 
in Coffee County, Georgia. Graduated from Andrew Female 
College, Cuthbert, Georgia, in class of 1906, with A.B. de¬ 
gree. Taught school a number of years. Methodist, Demo¬ 
crat. 

Father-in-law of R. L. Free was Thomas Levett Pickren, 
born June 16, 1862, in Coffee County, Georgia, married 
October 9, 1884, in Coffee County, Georgia, and died on 
June 27, 1936, at Folkston, Georgia. School teacher and a 
merchant at first, later for forty years prominent naval stores 
operator of Southeast Georgia. Representative of Charlton 


252 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


County, Georgia, several terms in the General Assembly of 
Georgia. State Senator, 1925-6. Judge of the County Court 
of Charlton County for a number of years. Mayor of Folk- 
ston. Member City and County Board of Education. Metho¬ 
dist, Mason, Shriner, K. of P., Odd-fellow. 

Maiden name of mother-in-law of R. L. Free was Kathleen 
Georgia Wilcox, born September 22, 1863, Coffee County, 
Georgia, died on May 24, 1896, at McRae, Georgia. Daugh¬ 
ter of Rev. J. M. Wilcox, Methodist minister, who was a mem¬ 
ber of the Georgia legislature, both as Representative and 
Senator from Coffee County. Democrat, scholar, Civil War 
veteran, planter of means. Died at a ripe old age in 1897. 

Children of R. L. Free and Stella Pickren Free are: Louise 
Free, born July 22, 1911; Alice Free, born August 15, 1914; 
R. L. Free, born August 4, 1915; Mary Ellen Free, born 
January 22, 1925; Gene Lovett Free, born May 3, 1926; 
Virginia Free, born May 1, 1913, died August 3, 1913. 

Jacob Hunter Hires 


This citizen of Colquitt was born in 1853, at Isom, Brooks 
County, Ga. He was educated in the common schools of 
Brooks County and was a student of current affairs all his 
life. He was admitted to the Bar about 1889, having read 
law in the office of Henry G. Turner, the celebrated statesman, 
in Quitman. He practiced law in Brooks and surrounding 
counties, finally moving to Moultrie, where he formed a 
partnership for the practice of law with John C. Chason, at 
Moultrie. He was a Baptist, a Democrat, and a Mason. He 
participated in the Spanish-American War, being a corporal 
in the U. S. Army in Cuba. 

He represented Colquitt County in the House of Repre¬ 
sentatives of the General Assembly of Georgia in 1911-12. 



JACOB HUNTER HIRES 


253 


Jacob Hunter Hires was the son of Philip Hires, a native 
of North Carolina, born there in 1812, and was married in 
Brooks County, Ga., in 1835 to Pollie Alderman, a native of 
Brooks County, Ga. Both Philip Hires and his wife, Pollie 
Alderman Hires, have departed this life and are buried in 
Brooks County. 

J. H. Hires married in 1874 in Brooks County, Ga. The 
maiden name of his wife was Sarah Strickland, who was born 
in 1852, and died in December, 1919, in Colquitt County, Ga. 
She was educated in the common schools of Brooks County, 
and was a member of the Baptist Church. She was the daugh¬ 
ter of John Strickland, who was born in 1846, in Brooks 
County, Ga., and who was married in Brooks County, Ga., 
and who died in 1887 in the same county. John Strickland 
was a farmer, and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. 
The maiden name of the wife of John Strickland, who 
was the mother-in-law of J. H. Hires, was Jencie Alderman, 
also a native of Brooks County. 

The names of the children of J. H. Hires and Sarah Strick¬ 
land Hires, his wife, are as follows: 

James Hires, born 1874, married and a resident of Tampa, Fla. 

Lula Hires, born in 1876, died in October, 1926. 

Plenny Hires, born in 1877, now living in Colquitt County, Ga. 

Gussie Hires, born in 1879 (Mrs. E. H. Hall), Miami, Fla. 

Irvin Hires, born 1881, died in 1908. 

Sarah Hires, born in 1883, a school teacher. 

Willie Hires, born in 1885 (Mrs C. F. Chitty), Colquitt County. 

Eunice Hires, born in 1887 (single, with Moultrie Tel. Co. for 
15 years). 

Harry Livingston Hires, born 1891, Tax collector, Colquitt County, 
Ga, 1937. 

Thomas Watson Hires, born 1894, Supt. H. H. Myers Packing 
Co, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Ruby Elizabeth Hires, born 1896 (Mrs. E. N. Gail), Ft. Pierce, 
Fla. 


254 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


George B. Hunt 


This citizen of Colquitt County was born at Pineboro, 
Colquitt County, Ga., August 26, 1881. Educated in the 
common schools of Colquitt County. Profession is fireman. 
Entered service of Moultrie Fire Department on July 1, 1914. 
On November 14, 1915, became Chief, and has held this 
position continuously since. Methodist. Democrat. Mason. 

G. B. Hunt was a son of Wm. Jefferson Hunt, who was born 
April 3, 1861, and died October 14, 1912. He was born in 
Columbia County, Ala., and spent most of his life in Colquitt 
County, where he died. He was ordained Methodist minis¬ 
ter, and was postmaster at Silar, Ga., from 1897 to 1902. 
Mother of G. B. Hunt was Dicy Ruth Baker, born January 
8, 1859, in Colquitt County, Ga., and died in the same county 
on October 4, 1935. 

Paternal grandfather, Cardy Hunt, was born in 1811, in 
Ireland, and died in 1904 in Colquitt County, Ga. Emi¬ 
grated to the United States about 1816, and became by pro¬ 
fession a farmer and a slave-owner. He married Amie 
Stokes, who was born in Ireland about 1816, and died in 
November, 1899. Cardy Hunt was killed in battle, in 1864, 
somewhere in Virginia, having volunteered as a private from 
Colquitt. He married in Charleston, S. C., about 1834. 

Maternal grandfather of C. B. Hunt was Burrell Baker, 
born about 1830 in Colquitt County, Ga., and died on one 
of the battlefields of the Confederate War in 1864, having 
gone out with the first Colquitt Volunteers. 

Maternal grandmother of G. B. Hunt was Ruth Norman, a 
daughter of Jas. Mitchell Norman and Ruth Tillman Nor¬ 
man, being born about 1830 in Colquitt County. She died 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


255 


in 1859 iii Colquitt County. She married, in 1857, Burrell 
Baker. 

G. B. Hunt was married on November 3, 1907, in Moul¬ 
trie, Ga., to Miss Tommie Jane Hall, who was born March 
26, 1882, in Colquitt County. She was a daughter of Law¬ 
rence A. Hall, who was born in Thomas County, Ga., and 
died in Colquitt County. Private in the Confederate Army, 
being wounded once. He taught school in Colquitt and sur¬ 
rounding counties for many years. He was carrying the mail 
on a star route when he died. His wife was Narsises Turner, 
a daughter of Amos Turner, who was once a Clerk of the 
Superior Court of Colquitt County, and who was the first 
State Senator of Colquitt in the General Assembly of Georgia. 

G. B. Hunt and his wife, Tommie Jane Hunt, have one 
child in life, namely: Arthur B. Hunt, born November 8, 
1908. 

Before his connection with Moultrie’s fire department, 
G. B. Hunt worked with Huber-Norman Lumber Co., at Moul¬ 
trie, in 1907-8. Carried U. S. mail on star route in 1900-01. 
Worked as a carpenter in Colquitt County from November, 
1909 to 1914. 

Cliff Jenkins 


This citizen of Colquitt is a native of Bartow County, Ga., 
having been born there in the year 1896. His parents were 

Davis Jenkins, also a native of Bartow County, and. 

Jenkins, who was also a native of Bartow County, and both 
of whom now reside in Colquitt County, Ga. 

Cliff Jenkins is a Democrat and a Mason, and for some 
while has been a member of the Board of County Commis¬ 
sioners of Colquitt County. He was elected chairman of 




256 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


this board at their January, 1937, meeting for a term of 
twelve months. Mr. Jenkins is a farmer and a saw-mill 
owner and operator. 

Chas. H. Johnson 


Mention has been made hereinbefore of Chas. H. Johnson, 
shown by the 1860 census to have been the wealthiest citizen 
of Colquitt County at that date. Since this was written, we 
have come into some additional information as to Mr. John¬ 
son, through the courtesy of Mr. Lewis Perry, who married 
a granddaughter of Mr. Johnson, and who now resides on the 
old Johnson plantation: 

(a) It is definitely known that Chas. H. Johnson died in 
1886, and was buried in the Johnson family burial plot on 
the plantation. As we know from the 1860 census that 
Mr. Johnson was born in 1790, it results that he reached the 
great age of 96. So far as we know, this entitles him to a 
record age for a man, in Colquitt; a record that seems to have 
been equaled by only one woman, Sally Hawkins, found in 
1860 by Census Marshal Wing. As Mr. Johnson was a 
contemporary of the author of “Two Years Before the Mast,” 
he must have been a most interesting character. We are able 
to present elsewhere a cut of this old sea rover and land 
pioneer, made from a photograph taken about the year Col¬ 
quitt was organized. 

W. W. King 


This citizen of Colquitt was born March 29, 1893, on a farm 
four miles southwest of Doerun, Ga., near Sinai Missionary 
Baptist Church, being a son of H. C. King, who was born 
in Putnam County, Ga. 




HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


257 


His maternal grandmother was born in Colquitt County. 
His maternal grandfather was born in Coweta County, Ga. 

George Tucker, great grandfather on mother’s side, was a 
son of Elder H. Crawford Tucker, pioneer in Colquitt County. 
Another great-grandfather, pioneer in Colquitt County, was 
John Nelson Phillips, born in South Carolina. 

W. W. King was married on December 31, 1916, to Lollie 
Dell Morton, of Colquitt County, Ga. Mary Tucker, daugh¬ 
ter of George Tucker, was his maternal grandmother. The 
maiden name of the mother of W. W. King was Martha Jane 
Phillips. 

The children of W. W. King and Lollie Dell Morton King 
are: Elsie Mae King, 1924; Nannie Ruth King, 1926; and 
W. C. King, 1930. 

W. W. King is by profession a farmer. He is a member 
of Mount Sinai Baptist Church. He is a member of the 
present Board of County Commissioners of Colquitt County, 
in which position he succeeded his father, who held this office 
himself for many years. 

John Elzie Ladson 


Mr. J. E. Ladson was born January 12, 1885, in Mont¬ 
gomery County, Ga. His education was obtained in the 
common schools of Georgia and in the Georgia-Alabama 
Business College, from which he was graduated in 1904. 

He is a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church, 
at Moultrie, as are the other members of his family. In 
politics, Mr. Ladson is a Democrat; and he is a Knight of 
Pythias. He has served on the Aldermanic Board of the City 
of Moultrie, and is a past-president of the Moultrie Chamber 
of Commerce. 



258 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


John Elzie Ladson is a son of Isaac Ladson, who was born 
on December 16, 1852, in Montgomery County, Ga., who 
married Pinkie Connell on July 2, 1874, and he now resides 
with his son, the subject of this sketch, at Moultrie, Ga. 
Pinkie Connell Ladson died on June 22, 1916, and is buried 
in Hamilton Cemetery, in Montgomery County, Ga. 

Isaac Ladson is the son of John Conaway Ladson, who was 
born on December 25, 1813, in Barnwell County, S. C., and 
who died in 1894 in Montgomery County, Ga. He was a 
farmer by profession, and was a Confederate soldier. The 
founder of the Ladson family was John Ladson, a native of 
Northamptonshire, England, who settled St. John’s Island, 
Charleston, S. C. “Ladson Street,” in Charleston, derives its 
name from these people; and they erected the Ladson resi¬ 
dence, on Meeting Street, in that city. 

The wife of John Conaway Ladson, being the grandmother 
of John Elzie Ladson, was Mary Ann Calhoun, who was born 
in 1816, in Barnwell County, S. C. She died on August 2, 
1872, in Montgomery County, Ga. She was a daughter of 
James I. Calhoun, of Barnwell, S. C. 

John Elzie Ladson married Miss Annie Laurie Rhodes on 
March 8, 1910, in Moultrie, Ga. She was born February 
22, 1888, in Berrien County, Ga. She was educated in the 
Tifton Public Schools; and was a daughter of Aaron Rhodes, 
who was born in 1845, in Richmond County, Ga., and died 
in August, 1905, in Tifton, Ga. He was a Confederate vet¬ 
eran, and by profession a farmer. He is buried at Bethesda 
Cemetery, at Brookfield, Tift County, Ga. 

The mother-in-law of J. E. Ladson was Anna Elizabeth 
Coursey, born March 27, 1851, in Richmond County, Ga. 
She died November 13, 1931, in Colquitt County, Ga. She 
was a daughter of John B. Coursey and Mary Johnson Cour¬ 
sey. The Rhodes family was one of the first settlers of 


JOHN ELZIE LADSON 


259 


Richmond County, Ga., and from the first were active in its 
development. 

Mrs. John E. Ladson is a member of the John Benning 
Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and 
of the Moultrie Chapter of the Worth While Club. She is a 
member of the First Baptist Church, and is active in its 
church and social work. 

John Elzie Ladson came to Moultrie in the year 1910, and 
engaged in the wholesale lumber business, which he carried 
to instant success. He still “knows his lumber” and carries 
on at Moultrie. As if this success were not enough, he com¬ 
menced some twenty years or more ago buying an occasional 
Colquitt farm; and has kept it up till, at present, he operates 
140 plows, this placing him easily in the first place among 
the farmers of this wonderful county. And, what is greatly 
to his credit, he deals justly with his tenants, whether white 
or colored. 

As a climax to the life work of this successful couple, it 
is stated that there are in life, at present, children, the issue of 
the marriage of John Elzie Ladson and Annie Laurie Rhodes 
Ladson, four children, as follows: 

John Elzie Ladson, Jr., born September, 1912. 

Wm. Francis Ladson, born October 9, 1916. 

Caroline Ladson, born February 19, 1920. 

Mary Ladson, born October 11, 1923. 

All these are popular social favorites with the people 
among whom they move, and for the reason that they are all 
fine children. John Elzie Ladson, Jr., was graduated from the 
Moultrie Public Schools and from Furman University, and 
both Wm. Francis Ladson and Caroline Ladson are alumnae 
of the Moultrie Public Schools. 


260 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Matthew Lawrence Lee 


M. L. Lee was born August 31, 1885, in Crawford County, 
Georgia. He was graduated from R. E. Lee Institute, 
Thomaston, Georgia, in 1902. Collection Clerk and Book¬ 
keeper with Upson Banking and Trust Company, Thomaston, 
Georgia, 1902-5. Bookkeeper with Moultrie Banking Com¬ 
pany, 1905-6. Assistant Cashier Moultrie Banking Company, 
1906-16. Cashier Moultrie Banking Company, 1916-36. 

Methodist, Democrat, W. 0. W. He was the son of Ben¬ 
jamin Franklin Lee and Mary Cassandra Sandwich Lee. B. 
F. Lee was born January 17, 1845; married April 6, 1869; 
and died October 28, 1929. He lived on a farm at Zenith, 
Crawford County, Georgia, until 1889, when he moved to 
Thomaston, Georgia, where he taught school and did various 
clerical work. Mary C. S. Lee was born October 11, 1846, 
in Upson County, Georgia, and died on January 8, 1933, in 
Thomaston, Georgia. She was the daughter of Matthew Hale 
Sandwich. 

M. L. Lee married on May 15, 1907, Mary Alma Hicks, 
who was born July 20, 1885, in Johnson County, Georgia, 
being daughter of Dr. William J. Hicks and Samantha Kent 
Hicks. Dr. W. J. Hicks practiced medicine in Macon County, 
Georgia, till 1902, and from 1902 to the date of his death in 
Moultrie, Georgia. Samantha Kent Hicks was horn in John¬ 
son County, and died in Moultrie, Georgia. One child of M. 
L. Lee and Mary Alma Lee is named Mary Lenelle Lee, and 
was born in Moultrie, Georgia, December 10, 1910. 

M. L. Lee joined the Methodist Church at Thomaston, 
Georgia, in 1895. Secretary Methodist Sunday School, 
Thomaston, 1902-5. Superintendent Methodist Sunday 
School, Moultrie, 1906-26. Steward Moultrie Methodist 
Church, 1906-1936. 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


261 


Paul DeWitt Leverett 


The subject of this sketch was bom April 28, 1895, at 
Weston, Webster County, Ga. He was graduated from the 
Doerun High School in 1911. He attended Mercer Uni¬ 
versity Law School and graduated in 1916. Since that date 
he has been continuously in the practice of law, first at Al¬ 
bany and for several years past at Moultrie, Ga. 

He is a Presbyterian, a Democrat, a Mason, a W. 0. W., 
and a member of the American Legion. 

He has been Solicitor of the City Court of Colquitt County 
since August 1, 1931. 

He is the son of M. Lafayette Leverett, who was a na¬ 
tive of Webster County, Ga., and who married in Webster 
County in 1893, and died December 7, 1932, in Doerun, Ga. 
He was first a farmer, then a merchant, and for the twenty- 
five years before his death he was a rural letter carrier out 
of Doerun. 

The maiden name of the mother of Paul D. Leverett was 
Mary Fannie Holloman, a native of Webster County, Ga., 
who died November 10, 1912, in Doerun, Ga. 

Maiden name of paternal grandmother of Paul D. Leverett 
was Eliz. Foreman, born 1850 in State of Virginia, and died 
in 1930, in Webster County. 

Name of maternal grandfather of Paul D. Leverett was 
John Holloman, a native of Webster County, Ga. His wife 
was Frances Shivers, being the maternal grandmother of Paul 
D. Leverett. She also was a native of Webster County. 

Paul D. Leverett married on December 23, 1925, Cordia 
Ray McLeod, horn December 27, 1897, in Worth County, 
Ga., and who still lives with her husband at Moultrie, Ga. 



262 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


She was a graduate of Poulan High School and Tifton A. and 
M., and Freeman’s Business College. For five years prior 
to marriage, she was Secretary-Treasurer of the Farmer’s 
Land Loan and Title Co., of Albany, Ga. She was the daugh¬ 
ter of Daniel J. McLeod, a native of Robeson County, N. C., 
who died in 1900 in Worth County, Ga. He came to Georgia 
while a young man, and was a successful turpentine man and 
farmer. 

The maiden name of the mother-in-law of Paul D. Leverett 
was Frances Ann Conoly, born in Robeson County, N. C., 
and died on November 5, 1935, in Colquitt County. As 
widow of Daniel J. McLeod, she reared successfully their 
three daughters. , 

There is in life a child, the issue of the marriage of Paul 
D. Leverett and Cordia Ray McLeod Leverett, whose name is 
Paul D. Leverett, Jr. 

Richard Jonathan Lewis 


The subject of this sketch was born on October 17, 1887, 
at McIntyre, in the County of Wilkinson, in the State of 
Georgia. He received a high school education at Norman 
Institute, Norman Park, Ga., from 1906 to 1909. He taught 
school in Colquitt County, Ga., in the years 1909 and 1910, 
was a farmer practically continuously until 1929. He prac¬ 
ticed law in Moultrie, Ga., in 1916-1924. From 1924 to 
this date (1936), he has held the position of Deputy Clerk of 
the Superior Court of Colquitt County. For five years past, 
he has been a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church, and 
at present serves three churches in Georgia and one in 
Florida. 

R. J. Lewis is a Democrat, Woodman of the World, and a 
member of the Royal Arcanum. He was a member of the 



RICHARD JONATHAN LEWIS 


263 


House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Geor¬ 
gia in 1921-2 and 1924-5. 

R. J. Lewis was the son of Richard Joel Lewis and Exa 
Ann Ethridge Lewis. Richard Joel Lewis was born on Au¬ 
gust 31, 1842, in Wilkinson County, Ga.; by profession he 
was a school teacher and a farmer. Member of Company 

F,” Third Ga. Regiment, Longstreet’s Brigade, and served 
from the beginning of the War Between the States until he 
was wounded at Gettysburg. Mother of Richard Jonathan 
Lewis was also born in 1842 (October 1), in Wilkinson 
County, Ga., and died on August 15, 1910, in Omega, Tift 
County, Ga. 

James R. Lewis and Sarah Ann Rivers Lewis were the 
paternal grandparents of Richard Jonathan Lewis, both born 
in Wilkinson County, Ga. Lewis Ethridge was his maternal 
grandfather, and he was a native of Wilkinson County, Ga. 
His maternal grandmother was named Lucinda. 

Richard Jonathan Lewis married on December 18, 1910, 
in Colquitt County, Miss Lenora May Newton, who was born 
on February 10, 1888, in Colquitt County, Ga. She was the 
daughter of George F. Newton and Julia Elvina Norman. 
George F. Newton was born on September 21, 1841, in 
Brooks County, Ga., married in Colquitt County, Ga., and 
died in Colquitt County, Ga., on February 7, 1922. He was 
a farmer by profession, and during his life held the offices 
of both Tax Receiver and Tax Collector of Colquitt County; 
and was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives 
for two terms. He was a member of Lee’s Army, and left 
an arm at Gettysburg, being wounded in the same section of 
that battlefield as Richard Joel Lewis. 

Julia Elvina Norman was born on May 31, in Colquitt 
County, Ga., and died on September 26, 1918. She was the 
daughter of Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Sr., a pioneer leader 


264 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

of Colquitt County, otherwise referred to in this history, and 
of his wife, Sarah Ann Elizabeth, also referred to herein. 

The following are the children of the marriage of Richard 
Jonathan and Lenora May Lewis: 

Jonathan Wilburn Lewis, born October 21st, 1911. 

Gordon Felton Lewis, born September 3rd, 1914. 

Julia Inez Lewis. 

Mable Claire Lewis. 

James Richard Lewis. 

As will be seen from other pages of this history, the chil¬ 
dren of R. J. Lewis are as well born as any in the entire 
County of Colquitt. This historian thinks there is not in the 
County of Colquitt a more useful citizen than Mr. Lewis. 

William Frank McCall 


This citizen of Colquitt County was born on March 18, 1894, 
at Quincy, Fla. He was graduated from the Gadsden County 
High School, being a member of the Class of 1911. He was 
also graduated from Massey’s Business College of Jackson¬ 
ville, Fla., in 1912. He has been an active merchant of 
Moultrie, since 1921. He is a member of the M. E. Church, 
South, and has always affiliated with the Democratic Party as 
a political organization. 

He was President of the Moultrie Kiwanis Club in 1925, 
and is at present an active member of that organization. His 
father, Wm. S. McCall, was born in Decatur County, Ga., and 
died on November 4, 1912, in Quincy, Fla. The mother of 
W. F. McCall was, before her marriage, Mary Emily Smith. 
She was also born in Gadsden County, Fla., and died in 
Quincy, county-site of said county, on December 11, 1911. 

W. F. McCall married Miss Susie Clark on January 6, 
1915, in Albany, Ga. She was born May 12, 1896, in 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


265 


Dougherty County, Ga., and was a graduate of Albany High 
School. Susie Clark was the daughter of John S. Clark, a 
native of Buckingham County, Va., and for twelve years be¬ 
fore his death was Clerk of the Superior Court of Dougherty 
County. Previous to that time he was railway accountant for 
the Central of Georgia Railway. The mother-in-law of W. F. 
McCall was Susan Dodson. 

There are at present in life, issue of the marriage of W. F. 
McCall and Susie Clark, his wife, children as follows: 

William F. McCall, Jr., born April 14, 1916. 

John Clark McCall, born October 31, 1919. 

William Sherrod McCall, born December 28, 1922. 

Sarah Clark McCall, born August 11, 1925. 

Susan Clark McCall, born January 6 , 1930. 

William Frank McCall, Sr., the subject of this sketch, was 
a charter member of the Moultrie Kiwanis Club; he is a 
member of the City School Board of Moultrie; a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Y. M. C. A. of the city; mem¬ 
ber of the Board of Directors of the Moultrie Chamber of 
Commerce; member of the Court of Honour of the Boy 
Scouts; member of the Board of Stewards of the First M. E. 
Church, Moultrie; Superintendent Sunday School, M. E. 
Church. 

Mr. McCall is at the head of one of the most flourishing 
retail grocery businesses in Moultrie. 

Claude Early McLendon 


This citizen and resident of Colquitt County was bom on 
September 28, 1884, in Greenville, Meriwether County, 
Ga. He was educated in the common schools of Meriwether 
County, and is by occupation a farmer. He is a Methodist 
and a Democrat. He has been a Justice of the Peace in and 
for Colquitt County for several years. He is at present 



266 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of Colquitt 
County, and is also Chairman of the Board of County Regis¬ 
trars. 

He is a son of W. E. McLendon, a native of Meriwether 
County, who was born in 1851, and who died on June 10, 
1892, in Meriwether County. He was a Chief of Police of 
Greenville, Ga., for some years. W. E. McLendon married 
Zubie Johnson in 1883. She was born in 1862 in Meriwether 
County, Ga., and is yet alive in Colquitt County. Maternal 
grandfather of Claude McLendon was Rufus Johnson and his 
maternal grandmother was Mary Elizabeth Thrash. 

C. E. McLendon was married in 1908, in Colquitt County, 
Ga., to Miss Lillian Manning, who was born February 26, 
1884, in Milton County, Ga. She is still alive and a resident 
of Funston, in Colquitt County. She is a daughter of W. N. 
Manning, who was born in 1848, in Cherokee County, Ga., 
and died on November 29, 1929, in Colquitt County. He 
was once Clerk of the Superior Court of Milton County, Ga. 
His only wife was Nancy Jane Rucker, born in 1854 in Mil- 
ton County, Ga., and she still lives at Funston. The Ruckers 
have been for several generations leaders in the County of 
Milton and surrounding territory. W. N. Manning and his 
said wife were married December 21, 1876. 

The children of C. E. McLendon and his said wife now in 
life are as follows: 

Marion, born in 1901. 

Elizabeth, born in 1911. 

Terrell, born in 1912 (died in infancy). 

Hiram Warner, born in 1914. 

Dora, born in 1916 (died in infancy). 

Caroline, born in 1919. 

C. E., Jr., born in 1920. 

Marion McLendon married Lillian Singleterry, and they 
have a girl child named Bettie, 17 months old. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


267 


William Jefferson Matthews 


W. J. Matthews was born on February 8, 1856, at Pineville, 
in Marion County, Georgia. He was educated at the country 
schools around Pineville, and finished at Collinsworth Insti¬ 
tute, at Talbotton, Georgia. 

He worked on a farm during a part of 1874. Left the 
farm and clerked for Harrell Johnson and Company, Mer¬ 
chants and Warehousemen, at Americus, Georgia. 



W. J. and Ella Shaw Matthews 


W. J. Matthews is a Methodist, a Democrat, and a Mason. 
He was the son of Benjamin Franklin Matthews and Mary 
Elizabeth Wright Matthews. B. F. Matthews was born Oc¬ 
tober 21, 1828, in Wilkerson County, Georgia, married on 
February 20, 1855, in Macon County, Alabama, and died 
on August 19, 1899, in Americus, Georgia. Mary Elizabeth 
Matthews died in September, 1914, in Americus, Georgia. 




268 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


B. F. Matthews was the child of William Matthews and Eliza¬ 
beth Hall Matthews. William Matthews was born in 1797, 
in Wilkerson County, Georgia, married in Wilkerson County, 
Georgia, and died in 1859 in Marion County, Georgia. Eliza¬ 
beth Hall Matthews died in 1869 in Marion County, Geor¬ 
gia, and married in Wilkerson County, Georgia. 

The mother of Mary Elizabeth Wright Matthews was Eliza¬ 
beth Wilmot, who was born March 12, 1797, in Columbia 
County, Georgia, and died in 1867 in Macon County, Ala¬ 
bama. 

W. J. Matthews married on February 12, 1878, Ella Shaw 
in Cusseta, Georgia. Ella Shaw was born on February 12, 
1860, in Stewart County, Georgia, and died on May 5, 1932, 
in Moultrie, Georgia. She was the daughter of David J. 
Shaw and Margaret Wardlaw Shaw. David J. Shaw was 
born in Sumter County, Georgia, married in Chattahoochee 
County, Georgia, in 1859, and died in 1913, in Columbus, 
Georgia. Margaret Wardlaw Shaw was born in Stewart 
County, Georgia, and died in Columbus, Georgia. 

Children of W. J. Matthews and Ella Shaw Matthews are: 
Shaw Hall Matthews, 1878; Maud Matthews Tharpe, 1880; 
Willabell Matthews Turnbull, 1883; Margaret Elizabeth 
Wink, 1887. Mr. W. J. Matthews, still alive and active at 
Moultrie, Georgia, he has conducted a mercantile business, 
at the same time successfully operating his extensive farming 
interests. 

While he has never been a candidate for public office, he 
has at all times maintained an intelligent interest in public 
affairs; and the number of his personal friends is remarkably 
large, wherever he has lived. 

Mr. Matthews was at one time in his life extensively con¬ 
nected with the railroad development of South Georgia. 
Commencing in 1882, in connection with Major Hawkins, 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


269 


of Americus, Ga., he commenced building short lines and 
extensions both to the east and the west of Americus; and by 
1897 they had completed a line of railroad extending from 
Savannah, through Americus to Montgomery, Ala. The 
‘'SAM Road, ’ it was called; and is now a part of the Sea¬ 
board System. Mr. Matthews was at one time General Su¬ 
perintendent of the “S. A. M.” 

Zachary Thomas Millsap 


This Colquitt County citizen was born May 1, 1891, at 
Thomasville, Ga., and was educated in the Moultrie Public 
School. He is a son of Zachary Taylor Millsap, who was 
born on January 1, 1856, in Robeson County, N. C.; married 
in January, 1874, in Ashpole, N. C.; and died November 1, 
1891, in Ashpole, N. C. 

Mother of Z. T. Millsap was Mary Eliza McHargue, who 
was born on April 16, 1860, in Robeson County, N. C., and 
died April 5, 1892, in Moultrie, Ga. 

Paternal grandfather of Z. T. Millsap was Richard James 
Millsap, born in Iredell County, N. C., in 1824, married in 
1843, and died in Robeson County, N. C., in 1893. Paternal 
grandmother of Z. T. Millsap was Mary Ann McLean, born 
April 27, 1825, in Robeson County, N. C. 

Maternal grandfather of Z. T. Millsap was James Mc¬ 
Hargue, born April 2, 1825, in Iredell County, N. C., and 
died on April 29, 1900. He was a soldier in the Civil War. 
Maiden name of maternal grandmother of Z. T. Millsap was 
Mary Pope, born and died in Robeson County, N. C. 

Z. T. Millsap married on June 17, 1917, in Liddington, 
La.; married Mary Mina Chesnutt, who was born on Lebruary 
19, 1893, in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas. She was a 



270 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


daughter of Wm. Lott Chesnutt, who was born December 7, 
1850, in Clinton, N. C., and of his wife, Mary Lydia Shofner 
Chesnutt, who was born January 17, 1861, in Angelina 
County, Texas, and died on November 28, 1911, in Port 
Arthur, Texas. William Lott Chesnutt died on April 21, 
1930, in Weed, California. 

Children of Z. T. Millsap and Mary Mina Millsap are: 

Zachary Thomas Millsap, Jr., born March 13, 1922. 

Mina Chestnutt Millsap, born August 18, 1923. 

Zachary Thomas Millsap, Sr., has been Superintendent of 
the Municipal Water and Light Plant in Doerun, Ga., con¬ 
tinuously during the past 18 years. In politics, he is a 
Democrat. 

Lammie Lamar Moore 


This resident of Colquitt County was born in Elbert 
County, Ga., on November 22, 1880; and was educated in 
the common schools of that county, and studied law at 
Mercer University, Macon, Ga., receiving its degree of LL.B. 
By profession, he is a practicing attorney-at-law, having 
begun the practice at Moultrie, Ga., in September, 1904. 
Baptist. Democrat. W. O. W. Kiwanian. Knight of 
Pythias. He was Sargent Moultrie Rifles, 1904, 1905 and 
1906. 

He was City Attorney of Moultrie, Ga., 1913-1918. Mem¬ 
ber House of Representatives of Georgia, 1927-1928, 1929- 
1930. Member Georgia State Senate, 1931-1932. At pres¬ 
ent is Judge City Court of Colquitt County. 

The father of L. L. Moore was John Henry Moore, born 
August 5, 1852, in Elbert County, Ga.; married on Decem¬ 
ber 3, 1879, in Elbert County, Ga., and died August 20, 
1930, in Elbert County, Ga. He was a farmer, and for 



LAMM IE LAMAR MOORE 


271 


many years was a Justice of the Peace in and for the 202 
District, G. M., Elbert County, Ga. (Webbsboro District). 
Maiden name of the mother of L. L. Moore was Mary Camp¬ 
bell, born March 24, 1862, in Elbert County, Ga., and is still 
living, having reared ten children, of whom L. L. Moore is 
the oldest. 

Name of paternal grandfather of L. L. Moore was Joel 
W. Moore, born October 13, 1821, in Elbert County; mar¬ 
ried about 1848, in Elbert County, Ga., and died in 1913, 
in Elbert County, Ga. He was a farmer, and reared five 
sons and a daughter. Maiden name of paternal grandmother 
was Sarah Hewell, born about 1825, in Wilkes County, Ga., 
and died about 1890 in Elbert County, Ga. 

Name of maternal grandfather of L. L. Moore was James 
C. Campbell; born about 1820, in Elbert County Ga.; mar¬ 
ried about 1845; and died about 1907, in Madison County, 
Ga. He was a farmer, and reared ten children. Maiden 
name of maternal grandmother was Jerusha Higgenbotham, 
who was born about 1825, in Elbert County, Ga., and died 
about 1917, in Madison County, Ga. 

L. L. Moore married on April 29, 1914, in Moultrie, Ga., 
Miss Pearl Scarboro, who was bom June 13, 1889, in Bul¬ 
loch County, Ga. She was educated in the public schools 
and at Brenau College, at Gainesville, Ga. 

Name of father-in-law of L. L. Moore was Jas. H. Scar¬ 
boro, who was born February 14, 1860, in Bulloch County, 
Ga.; married in Bulloch County, Ga., and died in Colquitt 
County, Ga. He lived in Bulloch County, Ga., until about 
1900, when he moved to Colquitt County, where he operated 
a farm for a while, and finally moved to Moultrie, where he 
held the office of City Clerk for more than 20 years. Name 
of the mother-in-law of L. L. Moore was Sallie Daughtry, 
who was born on August 9, 1865, in Bulloch County. She 
is still living. 


272 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


As issue of the marriage of L. L. Moore and Pearl Scar- 
boro Moore, there are in life children, as follows: 

Russell Lamar Moore, born March 18, 1918. 

Barbara Moore, born February 16, 1924. 

James Henry Moore, born February 9, 1926. 

“Double L,” as he is affectionately called, grew up on a 
farm before the days of good roads and adequate schools. 
While still in his teens he wrote articles to the Elberton Star , 
in such topics, especially schools. Being without money or 
property, in the beginnings of his life, he early in life de¬ 
veloped a sympathy for all working people, which he has 
never lost, and hopes never to lose. He wants to see an 
economical structure that will bring about absolute equality 
of opportunity to all the children of Georgia, and is willing 
to work at bringing it to pass. 

George William Newton 


This citizen of Colquitt County was born in 1867, and 
was the oldest child of G. F. Newton and his wife, Julia 
Norman Newton. He was educated in the early public 
schools of Colquitt County. He is a Democrat and a mem¬ 
ber of the Missionary Baptist Church, as are all the members 
of his family. The history of the ancestry of G. W. Newton 
is fully set forth elsewhere in this chapter in the sketches of 
George F. Newton and his wife, Julia Norman Newton. By 
reference to these it will be seen that on his mother’s side 
Mr. G. W. Newton is descended from the Tillmans and the 
Normans, the earliest pioneers of Colquitt County. His 
father, Mr. George F. Newton, was born in Brooks County, 
being the son of G. W. Newton, Sr., for whom the subject 
of this sketch was named. The Newtons were originally a 
numerous pioneer family of North Carolina. George F. 



GEORGE WILLIAM NEWTON 


273 


Newton was a Confederate soldier and a veteran of Gettys¬ 
burg Battle, where he left an arm. He also served Colquitt 
as her representative in the House of Representatives of 
Georgia. For several terms he was Tax Collector and Tax 
Receiver of Colquitt County. 

G. W. Newton, the subject of this sketch, has also served 
Colquitt as representative in the Georgia Legislature; and 
for many years has held the position of County Administra¬ 
tor of Colquitt County. He also served one term as Sheriff 
of the county. 

He married in 1889, Miss Elizabeth A. Barber, daughter 
of Rev. John D. Barber, natives of Colquitt County. The 
children of this union who are now in life are as follows: 

Elvana Newton (Mrs. J. E. Gordon). 

John Thomas Newton, Colquitt farmer. 

Willie Newton, Colquitt farmer. 

Esther Newton (Mrs. P. H. Croy). 

Ethel Newton (Mrs. J. B. Pope). 

Alice Newton (Mrs. Foster). 

Dora Newton (Mrs. Bordon Manley). 

David Lanier Newton, Colquitt farmer. 

All of these children are sterling citizens of Colquitt 
County. Mr. Newton and his wife have for fifty years en¬ 
joyed the cordial respect of the whole population of the 
county, as do their children. 


274 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Sr. 


J. B. Norman, Sr., was the oldest child of James Mitchell 
Norman and Ruth Tillman Norman, a pioneer couple. He 
was born in Liberty County, Georgia, in 1821, came to 
Irwin County, Ga., with his parents, when he was an infant 
in arms. He spent the first few years of his life with his 
parents, near Nashville, Georgia; and later removed with 
them to the territory that was later incorporated with Col¬ 
quitt County. He was looked upon as a leader of the pioneers 
of the section that is now Colquitt, during the most of his 
life; and he lost that leadership only when the torch dropped 
from his aging hands, to be lifted and borne along by his son, 
Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Jr. 

This writer called on this good man, in his ripe old age. 
He lived with his youngest son, V. F. Norman, and his wife. 
His wife had been dead for some time. He was uncultured 
in a way; but he presented a dignified appearance. Like a 
Roman Senator of the era of the Republic. Surrounded, he 
was by his numerous descendants who continued so long as 
he lived to be ‘‘ordered around” by “Pappy.” Not a one of 
them ever even thought of crossing him. Not even “Wheeler. ’ 

“Pappy,” or “Bryant,” as his contemporary relatives called 
him was on the whole a conservative in his ways and thoughts. 
Kept his membership at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist 
Church, as long as he lived; and, when he died, his children 
laid him to “sleep thegither at the foot” with his wife, “Aunt 
Sally Ann,” in the graveyard, at that church. 

Said he to Wheeler, when he was talking up his “Institute,” 
at Norman Park, 

“Yes; and when all the children are going to your dern 
school, who’s going to do the work, in this county?” 




J. B. NORMAN, JR 













276 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Jr. 


The subject of this sketch was born in 1853, being the fifth 
child and the second son of Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Sr. ? 
and his wife Sarah Ann Norman. J. B. Norman, Sr., was 
the oldest child of James Mitchell Norman and Ruth Till¬ 
man Norman, pioneer settlers in the Colquitt territory, before 
the county was created. As will appear from a review of 
the biographical sketch of J. B. Norman, Sr., appearing in 
this history, J. B. Norman, Sr., was a family and a county 
leader during nearly the whole of his life; and it is a fact 
that when the mantle of leadership gradually passed from 
his aging hand, it was taken up by his son and namesake, 
J. B. Norman, Jr., who possessed all the pushing qualities of 
leadership of his father, and had the advantage of exercising 
these talents in a far larger field. 

By the time J. B. Norman, Jr., was forty years old he had 
extensive naval stores manufacturing interests, which rapidly 
became prolific sources of income. A little later, he was suc¬ 
cessful in interesting outside capitalists in Colquitt’s re¬ 
sources, and induced them to join him in developing the lum¬ 
ber business on the eastern side of the county, among them 
D. C. Bacon, of Savannah, Ga., and Martin F. Amorous, a 
young industrialist of Atlanta. These two men and Mr. Nor¬ 
man organized the “Pinopolis Saw Mill Company,” at Bay- 
boro, in the eastern part of the county, buying up extensive 
timber, and constructing a tramroad from Sparks on the 
Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad to their mills at 
Bayboro, and westward to Moultrie, which was reached a 
little after the Georgia Northern Railway line reached it, as 
it was pressing on towards Albany. About 1900, this con¬ 
cern was merged with the Union Lumber Co., a big concern 
organized to cut the extensive holdings of W. W. Ashburn, 
lying generally to the south of Moultrie. The merger was 



JEREMIAH BRYANT NORMAN, JR. 


277 


incorporated under the name and style of “Union Pinopolis 
Saw Mill Company.” What had happened was that Messrs. 
Bacon, Amorous and Norman had bought the holdings of the 
Union Lumber Company. What matters in this writing is 
that Mr. Norman was increasing his holdings, which he held 
until the timber of the Union Pinopolis Corporation’s hold¬ 
ings were entirely cut over. 

When there was an end of the timber of the Union Pinop¬ 
olis Company, Mr. Norman’s associates turned over several 
thousand acres of cut-over pine lands to Mr. Norman, on very 
easy terms; and he proceeded to offer them for settlement at 
very low prices. He sold nothing with the idea that he might 
get it returned to him, plus the improvements; but fixed such 
prices on these lands that the purchaser could manage to make 
his payments and retain possession and title to them. 

During the last fifteen years of Mr. Norman’s life, he was 
constantly in the market for rent-yielding property in Moul¬ 
trie—especially brick buildings located centrally. Such was 
his desire to purchase such property that he simply bought 
it when ever offered, and without any haggling over prices. 
Of course, the event has justified Mr. Norman’s judgment, 
since there has been a steady increase in the demand for 
such property, and its rental value, at all times during the 
past thirty-five years; and the prospects seem good for a 
further enhancement in such values. 

Mr. Norman was a man of tireless energy—so much so 
that his father called him “Wheeler”—a nickname that came 
to be applied to him by his relatives and friends throughout 
the county, and far beyond. He was first a “wheel-horse;” 
and this was shortened into “Wheeler.” Martin F. Amorous, 
personal friend and intimate business associate of Mr. Nor¬ 
man for a quarter of a century, once said, “Wheeler Norman 
was the greatest executive I have ever known.” 


278 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Like John Tucker, Wheeler Norman came into the world 
with his hands wide open. He “stood for” more men, and 
indorsed more paper of Colquitt citizens than any five men 
that ever lived here. Hundreds of his neighbors took ad¬ 
vantage of his perpetual desire to be of help; and, as was 
once said of a French Prince, “When a favor was asked of 
him it was he that appeared obliged.” But he dismissed 
this trait with a laugh, claiming that he got pleasure out of 
it, since a man who asked him for a favor was paying tribute 
to him. And, to a remarkable degree the persons whose obli¬ 
gations he indorsed paid up. He lost practically nothing. 

Mr. Norman was catholic in his ministrations. He would 
help a youth pay his expenses at Emory as quickly as one 
who wanted to go to Mercer. When he was a youth of 
17 years, he subscribed fifty dollars towards a fund for the 
erection of the first Methodist Church building in Moultrie. 
It was perhaps the heaviest contribution of all. This he told 
this writer. “And I paid it, too. I killed deer, and sold the 
hides and the smoked venison, and got the money, and paid 
every cent of it.” 

He was deeply sentimental and deeply emotional. Miles 
Monk, Sr., who married his sister, “Sookey,” once told this 
writer that, when his mother died, he would wake up of 
nights, and sob and cry till dawn; and this for a long time. 
They were afraid he would lose his mind, Mr. Monk said. 

He passed under another and heavier dispensation of an 
afflictive providence, when he was an old man comparatively. 
His oldest son was killed in Florida. For this he never 
ceased to grieve, so long as he lived. 

He was deeply religious; and often resorted to prayer. He 
gave more than half of the cost of the fine Baptist Church 
building at Norman Park. For some years he maintained a 
missionary school in China. 


JEREMIAH BRYANT NORMAN, JR. 


279 


While he was a sentimental mystic, as we have said; at 
all that he was eminently practical. He believed that the 
best way to help people—especially young folks was to put 
them in the way of earning their own keep. He early reached 
the conclusion that education cost too much. Also, he easily 
saw that the idea of sending a boy or girl away from their 
parents was not only expensive; but that it was a very dan¬ 
gerous thing to do. So he decided that he would bring the 
education so close to the youth of Colquitt that they could 
spend their week-ends, at least, at home. The result was 
“Norman Institute,” which is now “Norman Junior College.” 

Of course, Mr. Norman was too canny and resourceful a 
canvasser to let any of his business acquaintances off from 
making a helping contribution; even at that, his contribution 
explained more than half of the total, amounting to more than 
$80,000.00 originally; and he continued to work at this 
charity till the end of his life. This contribution to human 
welfare entitles Mr. Norman to high rank among the philan¬ 
thropists of all time; and constitutes his claim for immor¬ 
tality. He geared his resources and his life into forces that 
range into eternity. 

In early life, Mr. Norman was married to Miss Lovedian 
Permelia Livingston. From this union there were children 
as follows: 

Missouri Elizabeth (Mrs. K. W. Horne), deceased. 

Lovedian Permelia (Mrs. J. H. Hall). 

Georgia (Mrs. Sam Harrell). 

John Hansell (died unmarried). 

Matthew Bryant. 

Nancy Annie (Mrs. Charley Beall). 

James Franklin. 

Turner Davis (died in infancy). 

Joseph Kiser (died in young manhood). 


280 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


All these live in Colquitt, except, of course, the deceased 
ones. The wife and children of J. Kiser Norman live at 
Norman Park, in Colquitt County. 

J. B. Norman, Jr., held the office of sheriff of Colquitt 
County two terms; he represented Colquitt County four years 
as a member of the House of Representatives of the General 
Assembly of Georgia and he represented this county four 
years as a member of the Georgia State Senate. 

Lindsey Monterville Potts 


This citizen of Colquitt County was born on April 14, 
1864, in Cherokee County, Ga., and had his education in the 
common schools of that county. He was the son of Monter¬ 
ville Potts, who was born in Cherokee County, in 1843. The 
parents of Monterville Potts were Henry Potts and Clara 
Jane Potts, natives of South Carolina. The mother of L. M. 
Potts was Martha Jane Wetherby, also a native of Cherokee 
County. L. M. Potts married in December, 1882, Miss Lula 
Cagle, a native of Cherokee County, Ga., who was the daugh¬ 
ter of James Cagle and his wife, Jane Sumner Cagle, both 
natives of South Carolina. James Cagle was a son of George 
Cagle, Sr., who lived at one time in Hall County, Ga. 

L. M. Potts, in his young manhood, moved to Bartow 
County, Ga., where he remained eighteen years, engaged in 
farming and the management of a country store near Pine 
Log, Ga. In 1909 he removed to Colquitt County, Ga., and 
bought property a few miles north of Moultrie, which he suc¬ 
cessfully developed. 

The children now in life, being the issue of the marriage 
of L. M. Potts and Martha Jane Wetherby Potts, are as fol¬ 
lows: 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


281 


Lela Potts (Mrs. Hope Dooley). 

Dillard Potts, Automobile Business, Atlanta, Ga. 

Clifford Potts, Swift and Co. Employee, Moultrie, Ga. 

Emma Potts (Mrs. George Tucker), Moultrie, Ga. 

Curran Potts, Atlanta, Ga. 

Mayo Potts, Moultrie, Ga. 

Eugenia Potts (Mrs. Lester Thompson), Moultrie, Ga. 

Zuma Potts, Moultrie, Ga. 

Bobbie Grace Potts, Moultrie, Ga. 

L. M. Potts, Jr., Moultrie, Ga. 

Myrtle Potts (Mrs. Herbert Conger), Worth County, Ga. 

In addition to these is Verner Potts, accidentally killed at 
Tampa, Fla., in young manhood, and two girl children, Lind¬ 
say Jane and Bertha, both of whom died in infancy. 

Mr. L. M. Potts is a Democrat, and a member of the 
Baptist Church. He has been all his life a hard-working 
farmer, and a shrewd business man; and is now very nicely 
situated on his large farm near Moultrie, upon which he has 
lived since coming to Colquitt County. He is a trustee of 
the Okapilco Consolidated School, and is looked upon by his 
neighbors and acquaintances as a sterling good citizen of the 
county, being interested in social enterprises of all kinds. 

Emanuel William Rhoden 


This citizen of Colquitt County is a native of the county, 
having been born here on November 16, 1885. He was edu¬ 
cated in the Moultrie Public Schools, having been graduated 
from them in 1906. His diploma is the first ever to he 
issued to a male student in Colquitt County. 

By profession Mr. Rhoden is a printer, commencing work 
in this profession in Moultrie in 1898. He was proprietor 
of the Moultrie Printing Company in 1907, and is present 



282 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


proprietor of Rhoden’s Stationery and Printing Company, and 
has been such since 1922. 

He is a Missionary Baptist and a Democrat. He was Ser¬ 
geant in Company “B” of the National Guard ( Moultrie 
Rifles”). He was elected First Lieutenant, but the organiza¬ 
tion was disbanded before his commission was received. 

Mr. Rhoden was the son of Emanuel Rasberry Rhoden, a 
native of the State of Georgia, and a Primitive Baptist 
preacher. The mother of Mr. E. W. Rhoden was Martha 
Patten, a native of Berrien County, Ga. She was the daugh¬ 
ter of James Patten and Kizzie Drawdy. 

E. W. Rhoden married Cora Lee Daniel on February 13, 
1911, at that time a resident of Moultrie, Ga. She was born 
on August 23, 1889, in Ware County, Ga. She was gradu¬ 
ated from Moultrie Public Schools. She was president of 
the Adult Baptist Training Union of the First Baptist Church 
of Moultrie, Ga. She is President of the Ladies Bible Class 
of the First Baptist Church now. Her father was William 
James Daniel, who was born July 11, 1852, in Brooks 
County, Ga.; married his wife in Ware County, Ga., and 
died in April, 1915, in Colquitt County, Ga. His wife, the 
mother-in-law of E. W. Rhoden, was Nancy James, born 
July 9, 1871, in Ware County, Ga., and died in 1914 in 
Colquitt County, Ga. Mr. E. W. Rhoden has been Clerk of 
Colquitt County Baptist Association since 1934. He is Past 
Illustrious Master of the Moultrie Council R. and S. M. 
(Masons). He has been High Priest of Moultrie Chapter 
Royal Arch Masons from 1935 to 1936. He has been 
Worthy Patron Moultrie Chapter No. 139 Order of the 
Eastern Star from 1936 to 1937. Senior Warden Moultrie 
Lodge No. 391 Free and Accepted Masons. Prelate in Beth¬ 
lehem Commandery Knights Templars, 1935-1937. He is 
Intermediate Leader, Baptist Training Unions, Colquitt 
County Association of the Missionary Baptist Church; Adult 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


283 


Leader Sunday Schools, Colquitt County Association. He is 
Adult Superintendent Sunday School, First Missionary Bap¬ 
tist Church, Moultrie, Ga. He is Senior Deacon, Colquitt 
County Masonic Convention. He has been a member of the 
Woodmen of the World for twenty years. 

Children in life, being the issue of the marriage between 
Emanuel William Rhoden and Cora Lee Daniel Rhoden, are 
as follows: 

Emanuel William Rhoden, Jr., born January 10, 1911. 

Martha Neta Rhoden, born June 16, 1912. 

Helen Vivian (Jackie) Rhoden, born September 24, 1914. 

James Lee Rhoden, born September 2, 1919. 

All these children are graduates of the Moultrie High 
School. The girls, Martha Neta Rhoden and Helen Vivian 
Rhoden, are both graduates of the Georgia State College for 
Women at Milledgeville, Ga., and are now engaged in the 
profession of teaching. 

William Henry Rhodes 


This citizen of Colquitt County, and who lives near Moul¬ 
trie, Ga., was born on May 21, 1890, at Moultrie, Ga., and 
obtained his education in the Moultrie Public Schools. Since 
his graduation from the Moultrie High School, he has taught 
some in the common schools of Colquitt County, and is now 
operating extensive farming interests near Moultrie. 

He is a Methodist, a Democrat, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, 
and a W. 0. W. 

He participated in the World War. Was stationed at Fort 
Oglethorpe as a private of the first class, and served in Gen¬ 
eral Hospital 14. Trustee of Okapilco Consolidated School, 
1936, 1937, 1938. 



284 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name of father was William Joseph Rhodes, bom October 
31, 1858, in Dougherty County, Ga.; married on December 
30, 1888, in Colquitt County, Ga., and died on September 
21, 1921, in Moultrie, Ga. U. S. Postmaster at Maple Ford 
and Justice of the Peace in Colquitt County. By profession 
he was a merchant and a farmer. Maiden name of the 
mother of W. H. Rhodes was Leila Jackson McCollum, born 
March, 1871, in Mitchell County. Leila M. E. Church, South, 
situated in the northeast part of Colquitt County, was named 
for her. She still survives, living at Moultrie, Ga. 

Name of paternal grandfather of W. H. Rhodes was John 
A. Rhodes, born October 13, 1834, in Dooly County, Ga., 
and died April 17, 1918. Confederate veteran and farmer. 
Name of paternal grandmother was Mary Thorn Calhoun, 
born January 12, 1836, in Calhoun County, Ga. Name of 
maternal grandfather was Moses A. McCollum, born March 
26, 1847, in Monroe County, N. C., married January 6, 
1868, in Colquitt County, Ga., and died July 17, 1906, in 
Colquitt County, Ga. He was a local Methodist minister and 
a farmer. Maiden name of maternal grandmother of W. H. 
Rhodes was Arra P. Hayes, born January 28, 1846, in 
Camden County, S. C., and died on April 16, 1918, in Col¬ 
quitt County, 

W. H. Rhodes married on November 26, 1922, in Moul¬ 
trie, Ga. The maiden name of his wife was Nellie Clyde 
McFather, and she was born on October 9, 1897, in Worth 
County, Ga. Her father was Wm. D. McFather, who was 
born August 11, 1871, in Randolph County, Ga., and died on 
January 3, 1933, at Tarpon Springs, Fla. He was a farmer. 
The mother of Nellie Clyde McFather Rhodes was Jessie 
Rogers Cosby, who was born March 15, 1875, in Randolph 
County, Ga., and who died on March 31, 1910, in Colquitt 
County, Ga. She was a teacher in the common schools of 
Randolph County, Ga., before her marriage. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


285 


One child, Edgar Olin Rhodes, the issue of the marriage 
of W. H. Rhodes and Nellie Clyde McFather Rhodes lives 
with his parents near Moultrie, Ga., and was born February 
3, 1924. 

William Henry Rhodes is at present Commander of 
Thomas S. Teabeaut Post 41. 

George Alexander Shaver 


G. A. Shaver was born on the 29th day of April, 1881, at 
Plano, Cherokee County, Ala. His education consisted of at¬ 
tendance in the common schools of Cherokee County, Ala., 
and two years at the Normal School at Jacksonville, Ala. Oc¬ 
cupations of G. A. Shaver have been farmer, school teacher, 
bank clerk and bank cashier. Since October, 1921, he has 
been Clerk of the City of Moultrie, Ga., continuously. Mem¬ 
ber of the Church of Christ. Democrat. Mason. W. 0. W. 

Parents of G. A. Shaver were John Reed Shaver, born 
September 1, 1851, in Cherokee County, Ala., and died 
September 23, 1931, at Piedmont, Ala., and Mary Amanda 
Crews, who was born on March 23, 1864, in Cherokee 
County, Ala., and who is still living. Parents were married 
on December 25, 1879. Parents just good, clean people, 
much interested in each other and in their children and 
grandchildren. 

Paternal grandfather of G. A. Shaver was George Shaver 
and his paternal grandmother was Nancy May. They were 
both natives of North Carolina, where they were married. 
George Shaver was drowned in a stream in Cherokee County, 
Ala., known as “Terrapin Creek,” in 1875. The place is still 
known as “Shaver’s Ford,” about 15 miles from Piedmont, 
Ala. With him were two of his sons. Paternal grandmother 



286 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


was born April 12, 1812, in North Carolina, and died in 
1896, at Pope, Ala. 

Paternal grandparents of G. A. Shaver were Alex Ellen- 
burg and Mary Crews, both of whom were natives of South 
Carolina, and both of whom died in Cherokee County, Ala. 
Grandfather Ellenburg was a noted rifle shot, and much in¬ 
terested in relics and antiques. 

G. A. Shaver was married on January 4, 1910, in Carters- 
ville, Ga., to Miss Ella May Bradley. She was a daughter 
of Joe Bradley and Catherine Matilda Miles. Her maternal 
side came from the Sluders of Asheville, N. C. She and her 
husband, Joe Bradley, were reared in the same home from 
childhood, being brought together by marriage of a widower 
and a widow, each of whom had a bunch of children which 
were reared together, and these two intermarried. 

The children of the marriage of G. A. Shiver and Ella May 
Bradley are: 

John Bradley Shaver, May 13, 1912. 

Geo. Alexander Shaver, Jr., July 10, 1914. 

Mary Catherine Shaver, March 7, 1924. 

Mina Margurite Shaver, February 9, 1927. 

John Bradley Shaver married Florrie Mitchell of Morrow, 
Ga., on June 26, 1932. They have a child, Barbara Anne 
Shaver, born October 3, 1933. 

John Suber 


John Suber was born in Colquitt County, Ga., on October 
15, 1892. His parents were James F. Suber, a native of 
Macon County, Ga., and Susie Eleanor Tucker. John Suber 
was a son of George Suber, a native of South Carolina, who 
was born in 1825. The wife of George Suber was Sarah Ann 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


287 


Truluck. James F. Suber was born in 1857, and still lives 
on his farm in Colquitt County, being a prosperous and re¬ 
spected citizen. Sarah Ann Truluck Suber was born in Geor¬ 
gia in 1828. 

Susie Eleanor Tucker Suber was a daughter of Richard 
Tucker and Civil America Hancock. Richard Tucker was a 
son of Elder Henry Crawford Tucker, frequently referred to 
in this History as a pioneer settler in Colquitt County, Ga. 
His wife, Civil America Hancock Tucker, was a member of 
a pioneer family of Colquitt County. Richard Tucker was 
at one time sheriff of Colquitt County, Ga. 

As will be seen from the above sketch, every drop of the 
blood in the veins of John Suber came out of the veins of the 
pioneers; and Mr. Suber is properly proud of this fact. 

John Suber is a W. 0. W. and a Democrat. He is a mem¬ 
ber of the County Executive Committee of that party. He is 
at present an efficient member of the Board of Commissioners 
of Roads and Revenues of Colquitt County. He has never 
married. 

William Tillman 


William Tillman was born on October 20, 1879, in Col¬ 
quitt County, Georgia. He obtained such education as the 
common schools of the time afforded and has resided in 
Colquitt all his life. He was the child of John A. Tillman, 
who was a farmer, living in Colquitt all his life. William 
Tillman is also a farmer. 

The mother of William Tillman was Harriet Baker, a 
daughter of Absalom Baker, a representative of a distin¬ 
guished pioneer family of Colquitt. The wife of Absalom 
Baker was Zilpha Tillman. 




Speaking of big families among the Colquitt pioneers, here is a “bunch of 
children” got up by Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Tillman, since the beginning of the 
present century. One thing that characterizes the big families of Colquitt is 
that they are generally “raised” to adulthood. Take a look, ye generations to 
come, at these fourteen children of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Tillman. Also take a 
look at Mrs. Tillman. And oh well, take notice of Mr. Tillman pere. Names 
of this little army, from right to left, may be found in family sketch of Mr. 

W. M. Tillman in the chapter devoted to such matters, hereinafter. 


William Tillman married Ollie Doris, a daughter of Jesse 
Doris of Thomas County, Ga., in the year 1898. The maiden 
name of the mother-in-law of William Tillman was Lela 
Gandy. 

The children being the issue of the marriage of Wm. Till¬ 
man and Ollie Doris Tillman are as follows: 

Ed. Tillman, employee of the City of Moultrie, married Ruby 
Mock. 

Frank Tillman, mechanic, living in Tampa, Fla., married Ruby 
Lindsey. 

Lester C. Tillman, employee Swift & Co., married Ray Livingston. 

Samuel Tillman, employee of Colquitt County, married Gladys 
Wilks. 

Rosie Lee Tillman, married . Strickland of Colquitt 

County. 

Hattie Tillman, married Elbert Dorminy of Colquitt County. 

Charley Tillman, resident Colquitt County. 



WILLIAM TILLMAN 


289 


Robert Lee Tillman, electrician, resident of Moultrie. 

Alice T. Weeks. 

Paul Tillman, U. S. Navy. 

Dixie Tillman, child, living with parents. 

Margie Tillman, living with parents. 

Russell, living with parents. 

Jessie, schoolboy, living with parents. 

The group picture appended here shows Mr. and Mrs. Wm. 
Tillman seated and their fourteen children standing. The 
names of these children may be ascertained by commenc¬ 
ing on the right with Ed. Tillman, No. 1, and proceeding to 
the right in order of their ages, ending with Jessie Tillman, 
on the extreme left. We believe such an attractive family is 
rarely seen. There are no twins and not a single blemish in 
the family. 

Here is a picture of 
John Tillman and Fariba 
Mercer Tillman, grand¬ 
parents of Wm. Tillman. 

John Tillman was a Geor¬ 
gia State Senator in 1859- 
60. He was born in 
1800, and his wife was 
born in 1805. They are 
buried in the cemetery at 
Hopewell Missionary 
Baptist Church, a few 
miles out of Moultrie, 
near the Moultrie and 
Quitman paved highway. 

The 1860 census of Col¬ 
quitt shows Fariba Mercer resided at the home of John Till¬ 
man. She was ninety years old, and died, later in the year. 



John and Fariba Mercer Tillman 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

W. R. Tucker 


This citizen of Colquitt is a resident of Moultrie, and was 
born October 4, 1898, in Colquitt County, Ga., and was edu¬ 
cated in the common schools of Colquitt County. Reared on 
his father’s farm, he has been a meat cutter for twenty years, 
and operates a meat market at this time in Moultrie. He is a 
Missionary Baptist, a Democrat, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, 
Knight of Pythias, Modern Woodman, and a member of the 
Royal Arcanum. He was a volunteer seaman in the World 
War. 

He was a child of John C. Tucker, born in Colquitt 
County, where he still lives, and Sallie Newton Tucker, born 
in Colquitt, in 1868, who died in Colquitt County in August, 
1934. His paternal grandparents were John Tucker, born 
March 24, 1833, and died in Colquitt in 1919, and Susan A. 
Stephenson Tucker, born in Raleigh, N. C., in 1835, and 
died in Colquitt County, Ga., in September, 1917. John 
Tucker was a son of Elder Henry Crawford Tucker, born in 
1803, and died in 1881, who is buried in Bridge Creek 
Church cemetery, in Colquitt County. 

His maternal grandparents were Geo. F. Newton, born in 
North Carolina, who went to the Civil War from Brooks 
County, Ga., and Julia Norman, who was born in Colquitt 
County, Ga., being a daughter of Jeremiah Bryant Norman 
and Sarah Ann Elizabeth Norman, who are buried side by 
side in the Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church cemetery 
in Colquitt County. Jeremiah Bryant Norman, Sr., was the 
oldest child of James Mitchell Norman, a native of Liberty 
County, Ga., and Ruth Tillman Norman. Reference is here 
made to the family sketches of these pioneers to be found in 
this chapter. 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


291 


W. R. Tucker was married to Vera Page, born February 
3, 1901, in Colquitt County, and who is still living in Colquitt 
County. She is Missionary Baptist, and is a child of W. A. 
Page, native of Randolph County, now resident in Colquitt 
County, and Mattie White Page, born in 1877 in Randolph 
County, and now living in Colquitt County with her said hus¬ 
band. 

W. R. Tucker and his wife, Vera Page Tucker, have the 
following children all in life, in their home, in Moultrie: 

Raiford, Jr., born in 1920. 

Lamar, born in 1922. 

Linwood, born in 1924. 

Lanelle, born in 1926. 

Ronald, born in 1929. 

Louise, born in 1932. 

Samuel P. Turnbull 


This resident of Moultrie, in Colquitt County, Ga., was 
born April 29, 1876, at Monticello, Fla., and educated at 
Jefferson Collegiate Institute, at Monticello, Fla. His par¬ 
ents were Samuel J. Turnbull, a native of South Carolina, 

and Virginia Finlayson.Turnbull, a native of the 

State of Virginia. One of his grandfathers was John Turn- 
bull, a native of South Carolina. 

Samuel P. Turnbull was married to Miss Willie Belle 

Matthews at Moultrie, Ga., on. She is a 

daughter of William Jefferson Matthews, a resident of Moul¬ 
trie, and reference is hereby made to his biographical sketch 
appearing in this chapter for further details as to her family 
history. 

Two children are in life, the issue of the marriage of S. P. 
Turnbull and Willie Belle Matthews Turnbull, namely: 

Mildred, Assistant to Dean, G. S. W. C., Valdosta. 

Eleanor, Moultrie High School student. 





292 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


S. P. Turnbull is a direct descendant of John C. Calhoun, 
the wonderful political philosopher of South Carolina. He 
is a charter member of Moultrie Chamber of Commerce. 
Second to oldest member of W. A. Covington’s Bible Class 
of Moultrie. A member of the Building Committee which 
had direction of the construction of the First M. E. Church, 
South, of Moultrie. Had part in the building of the First 
Baptist and the First Presbyterian churches, in Moultrie. 
Connected substantially with the origin of Moultrie Y. M. 
C. A., Moultrie Packing Plant, and Hotel Colquitt. Had 
direction of the fight to secure proper freight rates for Moul¬ 
trie, appearing before the Railroad Commission of Georgia 
and the Interstate Commerce Committee at Washington. 

William Coachman Yereen 


On one September day in 1864, a man in uniform met a 
five-year-old boy who was taking a walk in the care of his 
nurse. He tapped him on the head and somewhat affection¬ 
ately called him “a little Rebel.” It was on a sidewalk in 
Cheraw, S. C. The military man was General William 
Tecumseh Sherman, and the boy was William Coachman 
Vereen. And the boy was of rebel stock all right, and be¬ 
longed to the Southern aristocracy which General Sherman 
had admired since he left West Point. 

On his father’s side the boy could trace his ancestry 
straight back to the Huguenots whose beginnings in French 
history dated from Henry of Navarre, a rebel prince of the 
latter part of the Sixteenth Century. In 1680, Louis XIV 
repealed the Edict of Nantes and kindled the fires of persecu¬ 
tion in France. The result was that the Huguenots left 
France in hundreds of thousands to settle in many foreign 
lands. Great numbers settled in Pennsylvania, Delaware, 
Maryland, and South Carolina. Since the ranks of the 




WILLIAM COACHMAN VEREEN 


ms 






294 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Huguenots were made up of the aristocracy and middle 
classes of France, it resulted that wherever they settled, they 
immediately became moral and political leaders. Witness, 
for instance, the Bayards and the Duponts of Delaware, the 
Delanos of New York, the Lamars of Georgia, and the 
Vereens of South Carolina. 

By his mother, Eugenia McNair, he acquired more rebel 
background. The McNairs and other “Macks” in this branch 
of his family were descended from Scotch immigrants who 
got their religion and their politics from John Knox and his 
covenanting associates. It is too easily forgotten that on one 
fearful occasion, when the fires of political liberty had been 
put out in all lands save Scotland, the Scottish ministry alone 
held up the torch and from their pulpits fed its flickering 
flame. The debt of democracy to Mr. Knox and his con¬ 
freres is immeasurable. 

It is a good thing to be closely related in time to the pio¬ 
neers— men who from the days of Abraham have given 
direction to the currents of history. And with such a back¬ 
ground, one would be surprised had W. C. Vereen spent all 
the voyage of his life in shallows and in misery. And the 
reader will not be surprised when he hears how that early 
in life he demonstrated that his soul was of the stuff of heroes 
.—men capable of making immense sacrifices. 

At 18, he was an employee of a New York wholesale hat 
firm, for a short while; and then he worked briefly at a few 
other things. On October 13, 1880, he married Miss Mary 
McNeill, a representative of a prominent South Carolina 
family, being a daughter of Major Neill McK. McNeill. 

In 1885, with his wife and child, he moved to Montgomery 
County, Ga., where he engaged in the manufacture of naval 
stores for two years. He then removed to Coffee County, 
Ga., where he engaged in the same business for some three 


years. 


WILLIAM COACHMAN VEREEN 


295 


He came to Colquitt County in 1890, where Major Mc¬ 
Neill and sons were established in the naval stores business 
toward the southwest corner of the county. After looking 
over the situation, he leased timber and commenced naval 
stores operations towards the northwest corner of the county, 
erecting two turpentine stills—the first one a matter of one- 
half mile west of the Giles old mill site, and a second one 
near the present site of Doerun. He moved his family into 
a double-pen log house, erected by John Tucker, and there 
with his devoted wife put in six years of pure unremitting 
application to his business. The John Tucker house was at 
the site of the first still. 

Since the Pidcock family had extended, in 1893, their 
timber road to Moultrie, Mr. Vereen had been wagoning his 
products to Moultrie. In 1896, in the midst of the so-called 
Cleveland Panic, he moved his residence to Moultrie, into 
a two-story frame building on the site of his present elabo¬ 
rate brick residence. The first campaign had been brought 
to a victorious conclusion. From that time until the present, 
Mr. Vereen has been identified with the marvelous industrial 
development of Colquitt County. Looking back over it, he 
could well adopt the language of Father Aeneas to Queen 
Dido, and say, “All of which I saw and a great part of it I 
have been.” Some of the high points of Mr. Vereen’s busi¬ 
ness career are: 

1. The Moultrie Banking Co., which was established in 
1896 by Mr. Vereen, Mr. W. W. Ashburn, and Mr. Z. H. 
Clark. Mr. Vereen was made active vice-president and held 
that position until the death of President Ashburn. He has 
been president of this bank from that date until now; so that 
for forty years he has never missed his duties of overseeing 
the daily business of this bank. 

2. In 1901, we find him leading his associates in estab¬ 
lishing a unit of the textile industry in Moultrie. He thus 


296 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


became the president of the Moultrie Cotton Mills at a time 
when the textile industry was in its pioneer stage in the South, 
and when the impression was general that our climate was 
not favorable to the spinning of cotton yarns. At the moment 
this is being written, Mr. Vereen is in charge of extensive 
reconditioning of the equipment of this plant. 

3. In 1914, in the midst of the ravages of the boll weevil, 
Mr. Vereen and a few “Old Guard” associates, like Jim 
Corbett, W. J. Matthews and W. H. Barber, projected the 
establishment of a meat-packing plant at Moultrie. This, 
despite the fact that the farm papers of the South were united 
in disparaging the establishment of such plants, saying to the 
farmers with apparently convincing logic, “You do not pro¬ 
duce the necessary live stock for the maintenance of such 
plants.” But these men went ahead and erected the plant at 
a time when there was not another one in the South, from 
Richmond to Fort Worth. This has turned out to be the most 
important industrial movement for Colquitt and surrounding 
territory since the Seminoles gave up possession, more than 
a century ago. 

4. Coincident with the coming of the Swifts was the work 
of Moultrie’s industrialists for providing a market for diver¬ 
sification of crops. Mr. Vereen was in the forefront of the 
battle for diversification, putting his bank and his personal 
fortune behind the intelligent farmers. This in itself is 
mainly responsible for the fact that Colquitt is the leading 
agricultural county in the United States. 

There is space here for mention of only the high spots of 
Mr. Vereen’s business achievements. Enough has been writ¬ 
ten, however, to render it certain that regardless of its nature 
he would have made a success of any profession or business 
to which he might have addressed himself. 


WILLIAM COACHMAN VEREEN 


297 


Nor has he been completely absorbed by his business un¬ 
dertakings. While a very modest man, he has never rejected 
a call for social service. At one time, for instance, he was 
induced to take charge of a Bible class for men in the 
Moultrie Presbyterian Church; and built its membership to 
over 200. Recently, in looking over the records of this 
church, we found that in the 258 sessions during the first 25 
years after its organization Mr. Vereen attended 249. The 
same records show that he never missed a communion service 
except when he was unavoidably absent from town. He 
spent more than half the time of his residence in Moultrie as 
a trustee of the Moultrie Public Schools. He is at present 
a trustee of Agnes Scott College. He was Mayor of Moul¬ 
trie, at 52; President Moultrie Packing Co., at 55; President 
of Downing Co., at 67; a member of the Democratic Dele¬ 
gation to the Baltimore Convention of 1912; and was ap¬ 
pointed by Governor Hardman a member of Georgia’s State 
Highway Board, in which his work was a credit to him and 
of great benefit to the State. 

This historian once attended a meeting of his neighbors 
called at Moultrie to consider a State-wide request that he 
consent to the use of his name as a candidate for Governor 
of Georgia. When there seemed no doubt that he could have 
been elected he refused because of his relations to his busi¬ 
ness associates, his children and his Sunday school class. He 
loved them and did not want to move away from them, so 
he said. 

It will perhaps hearten the generations to come to know 
that Mr. Vereen has never indulged in vulgar or profane lan¬ 
guage. He does not indulge in intoxicants, and attends to 
no business of a secular nature on Sunday. At all that he 
has a fine sense of humor; and has always found interest in 
the great men and women of the country and of the world. 
Such great men as Dr. Joseph R. Wilson, the father of Wood- 


298 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


row Wilson, were frequent house guests at the home of W. J. 
Vereen, the father of W. C. Yereen, in Cheraw. This, in 
connection with his cultured forbears, is accountable for his 
cultivated tastes. 

As has been said herein before, Mr. Vereen married Miss 
Mary McNeill on October 13, 1880. Children, the issue of 
this marriage, are as follows: 

Jessie (Mrs. J. H. Smithwick). 

Jennie (Mrs. R. C. Bell). 

William J. 

Eugene M. 

All these are in life and residents of Moultrie except Mrs. 
Bell, who lives at Cairo and in Atlanta. Three other children 
of this couple died after reaching maturity, as follows: 

Pearl (Mrs. M. H. Stewart). 

Thomas W. 

John M. 

The mother of all these children died in 1898; and in 1899 
Mr. Vereen married her sister, Miss Ellen McNeill, who also 
died on the 23rd of June, 1934. Both these women were 
exemplary wives and mothers, and in addition manifested 
constant interest in the people of Colquitt County. 

Eugene Michael Vereen 


This resident of Colquitt County all his life, was born on 
February 5, 1893, near Moultrie, in Colquitt County, Ga. 
He was educated in the Moultrie Public Schools, at Riverside 
Military Academy, Gainesville, Ga., and at Davidson Col¬ 
lege, Davidson, N. C. 

He is now Executive Vice-President of Moultrie Banking 
Company, Vice-President and Treasurer of Moultrie Grocery 



EUGENE MICHAEL VEREEN 


299 


Company, and President and Treasurer of Colquitt County 
Tobacco Warehouse Company. 

He is a Presbyterian and a Democrat. 

He was a member of the U. S. Marine Naval Reserve 
Corps, stationed at U. S. Naval Air Station, at Pensacola, 



EUGENE MICHAEL VEREEN 


Fla., during the participation of the United States during the 
World War. 

He was a member of the Moultrie City Council four years, 
during which he served as Mayor pro-tem. 


300 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


His father is Mr. William C. Vereen, who was born at 
Cheraw, S. C., on August 5, 1859, and who was first married 
on October 13, 1880, in Cheraw, S. C., and who still lives 
at Moultrie, Ga. His mother was Miss Mary McNeil, who 

was born July 1, 1861, in.County, N. C., who 

married W. C. Vereen, as stated above, and who died at 
Moultrie, Ga., on the 1st day of August, 1898. 

Paternal grandfather of E. M. Vereen was William J. 
Vereen, who was born May 9, 1829, in Marion County, S. C., 
and died on May 29, 1877, at Cheraw, S. C. The maiden 
name of paternal grandmother of E. M. Vereen was Uegenia 
McNair, who was born on June 25, 1825, and died in Moul¬ 
trie, Ga., on the 10th day of February, 1905. 

The maternal grandfather of E. M. Vereen was Neil Mc¬ 
Kay McNeil, born June 10, 1825, in North Carolina, and who 
died on December 29, 1902. Major McNeil was a soldier 
in the army of Northern Virginia, and for years carried on 
a successful business near Moultrie, Ga. The Moultrie- 
McNeil Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy 
was named for him. 

The name of the maternal grandmother of E. M. Vereen 
was Jane Johnson Pegrue, born December 3, 1835, in Ches¬ 
terfield County, S. C., and died March 20, 1900, in Colquitt 
County. 

E. M. Vereen was married on May 31, 1917, in Edison, 
Ga., to Miss Wyolene Nance, who was born August 26, 1898, 
in Arlington, Early County, Ga. She was a daughter of 
Samuel Thomas Nance, who was born September 13, 1868, 
in Harris County, Ga., and married on August 19, 1890, in 
Sumter County, at Americus, Ga. He died on August 4, 
1925, in Arlington, Ga., in Early County. Maiden name of 
mother-in-law of E. M. Vereen was Minnie Easterlin, born 
May 6, 1872, at Americus, Ga. 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


301 


One child, the issue of the marriage of E. M. Yereen and 
Wyolene Nance, was born on August 9, 1920, and resides 
with his parents at Moultrie, Ga. 

William Jerome Yereen 


W. J. (Will) Vereen was born on the 11th day of June, 
1885, in Montgomery (now Wheeler) County, Ga., and was 
the child of William Coachman Vereen and Mary McNeill 
Vereen. His paternal grandfather was W. J. Vereen, for 
whom he was named, and who was a native of South Caro¬ 
lina, as was W. C. Vereen, his father. The grandfather was 
born on May 9, 1829, in Marion County, S. C., and W. C. 
Vereen, his father, was born on August 5, 1859, in Cheraw, 

s. c. 

The name of the paternal grandmother of W. J. Vereen 
was Eugenia McNair, who was born June 25, 1835, in 
Cheraw, S. C., Chesterfield County. The name of the ma¬ 
ternal grandfather of W. J. Vereen was Neill McKay Mc¬ 
Neill, who was born June 20, 1825, and died on December 
29, 1902, in Moultrie, Ga. The maiden name of the ma¬ 
ternal grandmother of W. J. Vereen was Jane Johnson 
Pegues, born December 3, 1835, in Chesterfield County, S. 
C., and died on March 20, 1900, in Colquitt County, Ga. 

W. J. Vereen, the subject of this sketch, married on De¬ 
cember 29, 1908, in Thomaston, Ga. The maiden name of 
his wife was Miss Lottie Thompson, who was born on Sep¬ 
tember 2, 1888. The name of the father of Mrs. Lottie 
Thompson Vereen was Isaac Cheney Thompson, of Thomas¬ 
ton, Ga. The maiden name of the wife of Isaac Cheney 
Thompson was Alice Jordan, and she was born in Midway, 
Ala. The maternal grandparents of Lottie Thompson Vereen 
were Ira Jordan and Mary Temperance Feagan Jordan. The 



302 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

paternal grandparents of Lottie Thompson Yereen were Di. 
John Thompson and Elizabeth Anne Cheney Thompson. 

W. J. Vereen was educated in the Moultrie Public Schools, 
and at Georgia Military Academy, College Park, Ga. He is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, as are all the members 
of his family. He was Mayor of the City of Moultrie at the 



WILLIAM JEROME VEREEN 


age of thirty, in 1915-1916. In politics, he is a Democrat, 
having been, during the years 1920-1921, the Chairman of 
the Executive Committee of that organization in Georgia; and 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


303 


he could have had the nomination of his party—equivalent 
to an election— to the highest civil offices in Georgia, at any 
time during the past twenty years, had he manifested any 
desire for such honors. 

In 1919, he was President of the Cotton Manufacturers As¬ 
sociation of Georgia. During the years 1925-1926, he was 
President of the American Cotton Manufacturers Association 
and is still on its Board of Directors. 

W. J. Vereen is at present President and Treasurer of the 
Riverside Manufacturing Company of Moultrie, Ga.; Vice- 
President of the Moultrie Banking Company, and Vice-Presi¬ 
dent and Treasurer of the Moultrie Cotton Mills. Besides 
these high points of financial position, he has been connected 
with numerous smaller enterprises in Colquitt County. 

Mrs. W. J. Vereen is a charter member of the John Ben- 
ning Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 
and is also a member of the Colonial Dames. 

There are at present in life, being the issue of the marriage 
of W. J. Vereen and Lottie Thompson Vereen, children as 
follows: 

Mary Vereen (Mrs. Thomas A. Hugnenin), Charleston, S. C. 

Rosalind Vereen (Mrs. George H. Lanier, Jr.), New York City. 

William C. Vereen, Jr., Moultrie, Ga. 

Thomas Jerome Vereen, now a student at Darlington School at 
Rome, Ga. 

Aaron Vick, Jr. 


This citizen of Colquitt County is a son of Aaron Vick, Sr., 
and his wife, Sarah Luke Vick. He was educated in the 
common schools of Colquitt County, and was reared on the 
farm, and for some years past has resided in Moultrie, 
where he has been an automobile salesman, and deputy 



304 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


sheriff. His paternal grandfather was Wm. Vick, born in 
1825 in South Georgia, and died in the Eighth Land District 
of what was then Thomas County, and which is now Colquitt 
County, about the year that Colquitt County was organized. 
The wife of Wm. Vick, the paternal grandmother of Aaron 
Vick, Jr., was Nancy Alderman, born near what is now Pavo, 
Ga., in the year 1827. At the beginning of her widowhood, 
Nancy Vick had children as follows: Aaron Vick, Sr., bom 
about 1848; James Vick, born about 1846; Missouri Vick, 
born 1849; Timothy Vick, born 1851; John H. Vick, born 
1852; Ezekiel Vick, born 1855. Nancy Vick must have 
been a remarkable woman; she reared the above children 
every one of them into good citizens—and died at the great 
age of 93 in Colquitt County. James Vick was a representa¬ 
tive from Colquitt in the House of Representatives, going as 
a Democrat, and following the era of reconstruction. 

He died not long ago in Thomas County, Ga., leaving two 
or three generations of good citizens. Aaron Vick, Sr., 
during his whole life, was a highly respected citizen of West 
Colquitt. Aaron Vick, Jr., was born on March 15, 1890, 
married Amzie Smith in the year 1919, she being the daugh¬ 
ter of C. J. Smith, who died at Hartslield in 1930. 

Aaron Vick, Jr., was a member of the American Expedi¬ 
tionary Forces in the World War, serving more than a year 
as a member of the 47th Engineers. He and his cousin, 
Aubrey Vick, grandson of James Vick, served in the front 
lines in the Argonne Wood, where Aubrey Vick died a sol¬ 
dier’s death. 

The children of Aaron Vick, Jr., and Amzie Smith Vick 
are as follows: Walter Eugene Vick, 13; Leroy Vick, 11; 
and Aaron Vick, III, 21/9 months. 

Aaron Vick, Jr., served fifteen years as deputy sheriff of 
Colquitt County under Sheriff Beard. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


305 


The Weeks Family 


The first census of Colquitt County, which was taken in 
1860, shows Michael Weeks to have been a citizen of Col¬ 
quitt County at that date (July 5, 1860), and that he was 
born in South Carolina, in 1785. This man was the pro¬ 
genitor of all the Weeks who have ever lived in Colquitt 
County. All trace their lineage back to Michael Weeks, and 
Judy Ann Weeks, his wife. 

This couple moved to the neighborhood of what is now 
Ellenton, about one hundred years ago, settling on a ninety- 
acre tract of land. They raised nine children, six of whom 
were sons, who reached maturity. The boys were named 
Benjamin, Charles, Thomas, David, James, and Seaborn. The 
girls were named Ann, Betsy, and Sally. There were no rail¬ 
roads, and consequently, no express service and no mail. 
Also, there were no books, no newspapers, and practically no 
schooling. 

Eight of the children of Michael and Judy Ann Weeks 
established families and settled around their parents. They 
formed a kind of clan, which came together often, and estab¬ 
lished several cooperative enterprises—such as schools, a 
church, cooperative marketing and buying, and cooperative 
shoe making and clothes making. 

The oldest son of pioneer Michael Weeks was Benjamin. 
He was born in 1819, in South Carolina, and was eight years 
old when his parents moved from South Carolina to this sec¬ 
tion. He was married to Sarah Harrell. 

Benjamin Weeks, or Ben Weeks, as he was always called 
by his intimates and familiars, would have been a remark¬ 
able man, at any time or place. His home, where David 
Weeks now lives, was a community center. He had a large 



306 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


family of his own, consisting of himself, his wife, two elderly 
single sisters, and nine children; and when his brother died 
and left a family of nine orphans, Benjamin and his wife 
took them in. So that at one time, he had in his home eight¬ 
een children, two unmarried sisters, his wife and his brother s 
widow, making twenty-three in all. They still tell of two or 
three beeves killed per week at patriarch Benjamin’s house. 

Tradition has it that Benjamin Weeks was inducted into the 
Christian Church by Flournoy Clark, a local Methodist 
preacher, and a friend and neighbor. These men were 
largely responsible for the establishment of “Weeks’ Chapel, 
thought to be the first church of the Methodist denomination 
ever erected in Colquitt County. This was erected soon after 
the creation of Colquitt County. 

The home of Benjamin Weeks was quite a manufacturing 
center, as well as a social and religious center. He had vats 
for tanning leather, and kept on hand an assortment of shoe 
lasts, being the individual lasts of his relatives and neigh¬ 
bors. These, of course, were used in shoe making, as the 
necessities of the case demanded. Also under shelter, he had 
cotton cards, old-fashioned spinning wheels, weaving looms, 
coloring vats, etc., for making clothing. Practically all the 
family clothing for his own set-up, as well as those of his 
neighbors was from cloth turned out by machinery in the 
Weeks establishment, and from cotton and wool produced on 
the farms of the relatives and neighbors. 

He was an ardent advocate of universal education, and 
patronized at all times such schools as were accessible. It is 
said that at one time as many as thirteen pupils attended a 
single school from his home—that is, from his children and 
his nephews and nieces. 

Among the children of Ben Weeks were Joe S., Sarah Ann, 
Judy Ann, Michael, Samson, Ben. C., Wesley, Elizabeth, P. 
P., T. J., F. C., James H., and Sidney. 


THE WEEKS FAMILY 


307 


Other children of Michael and Judy Ann Weeks were: 
Charles, who married Phebe Harrell, this couple had children 
as follows: William C., Jane, Jim, Mike, Phebe, Martha, 
Betty, John, and Joe. The third son of Michael and Judy 
Ann Weeks was Thomas, who married Phoebe Robinson. 

The fourth son of David Weeks married Frances Dawdry. 
To this couple were born the following children: Rosa, Sea¬ 
born, Jr., Daniel, Jane, David, and Benjamin. 

The fifth son of Michael Weeks, was Seaborn Weeks, who 
married Nancy Harrell. Of this union there were the follow¬ 
ing children: Jane, John Taylor, F. M., Martha, Euphemia, 
Seaborn, and Laura. 

Among the present generation of the Weeks family are the 
following well-known heads of families: Jim Weeks, John 
Weeks, Henry Weeks, David Weeks, Malley Weeks, Spenser 
Weeks, Montgomery Weeks, Wesley Weeks, John B. Weeks, 
Charley Weeks, Alex Weeks, John Weeks, Joe Weeks, Bob 
Weeks, Hardy Weeks, General Weeks, William Weeks, Stone¬ 
wall Weeks, Grady Weeks, and D. C. Weeks. All these are 
mostly great-grandsons and great-great-grandsons of Michael 
Weeks. The Harrell clan were neighbors of the Weeks for 
two generations, and five of the Weeks men married Har¬ 
rells, while at least one Harrell married a Weeks girl. 


308 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Colquitt County Board of Education 


Name Date of Comm’n 

B. E. Watkins.May 5, 1871 

Henry Daniel.May 5, 1871 

John W. Luke, Sr.May 5, 1871 

James J. Willis.May 5, 1871 

Date of Election or Appointment 

Henry Gay.May term, 1872 (for 4 yrs.) 

Jared J. Gandy.May term, 1872 (for 4 yrs.) 

Samuel C. Gregory.May term, 1872 (for 2 yrs.) 

(Died before qualifying) 

James H. Daniels.May term, 1872 (for 2 yrs.) 

Henry G. Scott.May term, 1872 (for 2 yrs.) 

John R. M. Linsey.May term, 1874 (for 4 yrs.) 

John A. Alderman...May term, 1874 (for 4 yrs.) 

Darlin Creed.May term, 1874 (for 4 yrs.) 

(Removed from county—S. P. Coon, successor) 

S. P. Coon...March, 1875 

(Removed from county) 

John Tucker.Sept, term, 1876 (for 4 yrs.) 

(Successor to Gay) 

Miles Monk.Sept, term, 1876 (for 4 yrs.) 

(Successor to Gandy) 

Charles Hiers.Sept, term, 1876 (for 4 yrs.) 

(Successor to Coon) 

John Rhodes 
William Branch 
E. H. Bryan 
Joshua S. Bryan 
William McMullin 



















COLQUITT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 309 


Date of Comm’n Term Expired 

Franklin Nelson.Apr. 14, 1885 May, 1888 

M. M. Blanton.Apr. 14, 1885 May, 1888 

E. H. Bryan.May 4, 1886 May, 1890 

Joshua S. Bryan.Oct. 12, 1887 May, 1890 

J. T. Hammond.Dec. 17, 1887 May, 1890 

G. C. Laney.Feb. 8, 1889 Next session of Grand Jury 

M. M. Blanton.May 2, 1889 May, 1892 

S. G. Gregory.Oct. 21, 1889 

(Declined) 

H. T. Russ.Oct. 21, 1889 May, 1894 

W. W. Robinson.Oct. 21, 1889 May, 1894 

G. S. Nelson.Apr. 17, 1890 May, 1894 

E. H. Bryan.Apr. 17, 1890 May, 1892 

M. M. Blanton.May 2, 1893 May, 1896 

James L. Hartsfield.May 2, 1893 May, 1896 

G. S. Nelson.Apr. 11, 1894 May, 1898 

J. A. Millsap.Apr. 11, 1894 May, 1898 

J. J. Calhoun.Apr. 11, 1894 May, 1898 

(Resigned) 

James W. Walters.July 30, 1896 May, 1900 

James H. Scarboro.July 30, 1896 May, 1900 

(Resigned Dec. 4, 1900) 

G. F. Clark.June 29, 1897 May, 1898 

G. S. Nelson.Apr. 20, 1899 May, 1902 

G. F. Clark.Apr. 20, 1899 May, 1902 

W. G. Stovall..Apr. 20, 1899 May, 1902 

Sam Gay.July 6, 1901 June 4, 1904 

(Declined) 

James W. Walters.July 6, 1901 May, 1904 

G. S. Nelson.Sept. 20, 1902 May, 1906 

G. F. Clark.Sept. 20, 1902 May, 1906 





























310 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


C. B. Harrell. 

Date of Comm’n 
....Sept. 20, 1902 

Sam Gay. 

...Apr. 17, 1909 

John G. Norman. 

...Apr. 17, 1909 

Isaac Newton. 

....Apr. 24, 1909 

M. E. NeSmith. 

....Apr. 18, 1910 

D. S. Smith. 

...Apr. 18, 1910 

T. W. A. Womble.... 

.Apr. 18, 1910 

Joseph A. Williams 

....May 9, 1913 

W. T. Cooper. 

....May 9, 1913 

M. E. NeSmith. 

....Feb. 17, 1914 

David S. Smith. 

...Feb. 17, 1914 

Geo. W. Wilks. 

...1917 

W. P. Sloan... 

...1919 

John G. Norman. 

....1921 

J. A. Summerlin. 

...1924 

W. M. Turner. 

....1924 

G. W. Newton. 

...1925 

C. M. Edge... 

...1925 

B. F. Folsom.. 

....1926 

E. E. Simmons. 

...1930 

T. A. Dekle. 

....1932 

T. W. Coleman. 

....1936 


Term Expired 
May, 1906 























HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


311 


County School Commissioners 


Name Date of Election 

Dr. B. E. Watkins.Sept. 16, 1872 

Henry Gay.Dec. 16, 1876 

Date of 

Name Date of Commission Expiration of Term 

Henry Gay.Oct. 20, 1884 June 4, 1888 

N. N. Marchant.Oct. 8, 1888 June 4, 1892 

N. N. Marchant.June 1, 1892 June 4, 1896 

N. N. Marchant.May 29, 1896 June 4, 1900 

N. N. Marchant.March 30, 1900 June 4, 1904 

J. H. Smithwick.July 1, 1904 Nov. 22, 1904 

J. E. Howell.May 12, 1908 

Lee S. Dismuke.Dec. 16, 1910 

Mrs. Lee S. Dismuke.May, 1918 July, 1918 

O. A. Thaxton. July, 1918 Sept., 1920 

L. O. Rogers.Sept., 1920 Jan., 1925 

F. G. Clark...Jan., 1925 Jan., 1933 

L. O. Rogers.Jan., 1933 


















312 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Congressional Representation of 
Colquitt County 


Congressional Districts 

1st Feb. 25, 1856-Mch. 23, 1861—(Acts 1855-56, p. 108) * 

2d Mch. 23, 1861-Oct. 26, 1865—(Confederate Records I, p. 
732; Code 1860, p. 12). 

1st Oct. 26, 1865-July 30, 1872—(Confederate Records IV, p. 
146). 

2d July 30, 1872-date—(Acts 1872, p. 12). 


Members of Congress 
U. s. A. 


District Term of Service 


Name 

Post Office 

1st 

Feb. 25, 1856-Mch. 3, 1857- 


--James L. Seward. 

Thomasville 

1st 

Mch. 4, 1857-Mch. 3, 1859- 


-James L. Seward. 


1st 

Mch. 4, 1859-Jan. 23, 1861- 


-* Peter E. Love. 



C. S. 

A. 

Provisional 


1st 

Feb. 4, 1861-Mch. 23, 1861- 


-Francis S. Bartow. 


2d 

Mch. 23, 1861-Feb. 18, 1862. 

—Martin J. Crawford. 

.Columbus 


C. S. 

A. 

Permanent 


2d 

Feb 18, 1862-Feb. 18, 1864- 


—Charles J. Munnerlyn. 


2d 

Feb. 18, 1864-Overthrow .... 


-William E. Smith. 




U. 

S. A. 


1st 

Dec. 15, 1865-Mch. 3, 1867- 


-fSolomon Cohen . 


1st 

July 25, 1868-Mch. 3, 1869- 


tJoseph W. Clift. 


1st 

Jan. 23, 1871-Mch. 3, 1871- 


^William W. Paine. 


1st 

Mch. 4, 1871-July 30, 1872- 


--Archibald T. MacIntyre-- 

Thomasville 

2d 

July 30, 1872-Mch. 3, 1873- 


-Richard H. Whiteley. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1873-Mch. 3, 1875- 


-Richard H. Whiteley. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1875-Mch. 3, 1877- 


-William E. Smith. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1877-Mch. 3, 1879- 


-William E. Smith. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1879-Mch. 3, 1881- 


-William E. Smith. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1881-Mch. 3, 1883- 


Henry G. Turner. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 1883-Mch. 3, 1885- 


Henry G. Turner. 








































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 313 


District Term of Service 


Name 

Post Office 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1885-Mch. 

3, 1887- 

Henry G. Turner. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1887-Mch. 

3, 1889- 

.Henry G. Turner. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1889-Mch. 

3, 1891- 

.Henry G. Turner. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1891-Mch. 

3, 1893- 

.Henry G. Turner. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1893-Mch. 

3, 1895- 

.Benjamin E. Russell. 

.Bainbridge 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1895-Mch. 

3, 1897- 

.Benjamin E. Russell. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1897-Mch. 

3, 1899- 

James M. Griggs. 

.Dawson 

2d 

Mch. 4- 

1899-Mch. 

3, 1901 - 

.James M. Griggs. 


2d 

Mch. 4. 

1901-Mch. 

3, 1903- 

.James M. Griggs. 

.Dawson 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1903-Mch. 

3, 1905 - 


.Dawson 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1905-Mch. 

3, 1907- 

.James M. Griggs. 


2d 

Mch. 4, 

1907-Mch. 

3, 1909-. 

.James M. Griggs. 

.Dawson 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1909-Jan. 5, 1910. 

**James M. Griggs. 

.Dawson 

2d 

Feb. 28, 

1910-Mch. 3, 1911 

.Seaborn A. Roddenbery 

—Thomasville 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1911-Mch. 

3, 1913- 

.Seaborn A. Roddenbery - 

—Thomasville 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1913-Sep. 25, 1913-.. 

**Seaborn A. Roddenbery- 

-Thomasville 

2d 

Nov. 20, 

1913-Mch. 

3, 1915- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1915-Mch. 

3, 1917- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1917-Mch. 

3, 1919- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1919-Mch. 

3, 1921- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1921-Mch. 

3, 1923- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1923-Mch. 

3, 1925-- 

.Frank Park . 

.Sylvester 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1925-Mch. 

3, 1927 

.Edward Eugene Cox. 

.Camilla 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1927-Mch. 

3, 1929— 

.Edward Eugene Cox 

.Camilla 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1929-Mch. 

3. 1931- 

.Edward Eugene Cox 

.Camilla 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1931-Mch. 

3, 1933— 

.Edward Eugene Cox. 

.Camilla 

2d 

Mch. 4, 

1933-Jan. 3, 1935. 

.Edward Eugene Cox. 

.Camilla 

2d 

Jan. 3, : 

L935- . 



.Camilla 


* Withdrew. 

**Died. 

•(■Commissioned; not seated. 

JTook his seat. 

Roster of Colquitt County’s Representatives in the 
House of Representatives of Georgia 

1857- 8- —Henry Gay. 

1859-60- —Henry Gay. 

1861- 2- 3—Ex. Henry Gay. 



























































314 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


1863- 4- 5—Ex. J. W. Wells. 

1865- 6- 7—Willis W. Watkins. 

1868- 9-70—Ex. Willis W. Watkins. 

1871- 2- 3—Adj. Isaac Carlton. 

1873- 4- —John Tucker. 

1875- 6- —J. B. Norman, Sr. 

1877- —James Vick. 

1879- —Adj. James Vick. 

1880- 1- —Adj. M. B. McClellan. 

1882- 3- —Ex. Ann. Adj. John Tucker. 

1884- 5- —Adj. A. D. Watkins. 

1886- 7- —Adj. George F. Newton. 

1888- 9- —Adj. John A. Alderman. 

1890- 1- —Adj. J. M. Odom. 

1892- 3- -—J. B. Norman, Jr. 

1894- 5- —George F. Newton. 

1896- 7- -—Adj. G. G. Henderson. 

1898- 9- —Sam Gay. 

1900- 1- —Robt. L. Shipp. 

1902- 3- 4—George W. Newton. 

1905- 6- —William A. Covington. 

1907- 8- -—Ex. William A. Covington. 

1909-10- —J. M. Walters. 

1911-12- —Ex. J. H. Hiers. 

1913-14- -—John A. Carlton. 

1915-16-17—Ex. Robert L. Shipp. 

1917-18- —M. E. NeSmith. 

1919-20- -—William A. Covington. 

1921-22- —Richard J. Lewis, R. G. Clark. (Aug. 31, 1912.) 
1923-24- —Ex. Robert L. Norman, William A. Covington. 
1925-26- —Richard J. Lewis, Hoyt H. Whelchel. 

1927-28- —R. L. Moore, J. L. Dowling. 

1929-30- -—L. L. Moore, John C. Parker. 

1931-32- —T. W. Mattox, W. A. Sutton. 

1933-34- —John C. Parker, W. A. Sutton. 

1935-36- —John C. Parker, Jason Shirah. 

1937-38- —John C. Parker, John Barlow. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


315 


State Senators—Colquitt County 


Colquitt County has been in the following Senatorial Dis- 
tricts: 

Feb. 25, 1856-July 2, 1861—Colquitt County. 

July 2, 1861-Nov. 5, 1918—7th District. 

Nov. 5, 1918-Date—47th District. 

Colquitt County 
Created Feb. 25, 1856 

Amos Turner 
John Tillman 


Seventh District 


1861-62-63 Ex.. 

.James L. Seward 

1863-64 Ex.-64-65 Ex__ 

.C. E. Groover 

1865-66-66... 

-Benning B. Moore 

1868 Ex.-1)9-70 Ex. 

.M. C. Smith (Rev.) 

1871-72-72 Adj.. 

.William L. Clark 

1873-74._■. 

.William L. Clark 

1875-76... 

....James McDonald 

1877. 

.James McDonald 

1878-79 Adj... 

_James Pate Turner 

1880-81 Adj.. 

.Elijah Peck Smith Denmark 

1882-83 Ex.-83 Ann. Adj_ 

.Jeremiah Bryant Norman 

1884-85 Adj... 

.Robert Goodwin Mitchell, I 

1886-87 Adj.. 

. Thomas J. Livingston 

1888-89 Adj.. 

.James Vick 

1890-91 Adj. 

.Robert Goodwin Mitchell, 1 

1892-93... 

.__W. S. Humphries 

1894-95. 

_J. B. Norman, Jr. 

1896-97 Adj.-97. 

.Henry William Hopkins 

1898-99. 

.W. S. Humphries 

1900-01... 

.T. B. Norman 

1902-03-04. 

. Henry William Hopkins 

1905-06. 

.Stanley S. Bennet 

1907-08-08 Ex.. 



1857-58. 

1859-60. 




























316 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


1909 ..Jesse S. Ward, Jr. (died 3/8/10) 

1910 .R. S. Burch 

1911-12 Ex.-12..L. C. Graham 

1913-14.S. Morton Turner 

1915-15 Ex.-16-17 Ex...John A. Carlton 

1917-18..Henry William Hopkins 


Forty-Seventh District 
Created Aug. 17, 1918 (Constitutional Amendment) 


1919 .. 

1920 . 

1921-22. 

1923-23 Ex.-24. 


1925-26 Ex.-26 2d Ex. 


1927. 

1929-31 Ex 

1931. 

1933. 

1935. 

1937. 


T. H. Parker (died) 

M. M. Kendall 
Robert Cothran Ellis 
John Henry Adams 
Robert L. Norman 
E. P. Bowen 
.Reason Paulk 
JLammie Lamar Moore 
Mrs. Susan T. Moore 
.C. Z. Harden 
W. H. Sutton 


CLERKS OF THE SUPERIOR COURT 


Name 

William McLeod. 
William McLeod. 

Amos Turner. 

Amos Turner. 

Amos Turner. 

Amos Turner. 

Elkanah Johnson. 

C. W. Haynes. 

A. Turner. 

A. D. Patterson... 
A. D. Patterson... 
A. D. Patterson... 


Date of Commission 

.March 28, 1856 

.Jan. 13, 1858 

.Jan. 10, 1860 

.Jan. 24, 1862 

.Feb. 16, 1864 

.Jan. 22, 1866 

.May 10, 1866 

.Feb. 7, 1871 

.Jan. 24, 1873 

.Jan. 15, 1875 

.Jan. 20, 1877 

.Jan. 10, 1879 































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


317 


N ame Date of Commission 

A. D. Patterson.J an . 12, 1881 

A. D. Patterson.Jan. 15, 1883 

E. H. Bryan.J an . 13, 1885 

E. H. Bryan.J an . 11, 1887 

E. H. Bryan.J an . 8, 1889 

E. H. Bryan.J an . 13, 1891 

G. W. Newton.Jan. 10, 1893 

G. W. Newton.J an . 9, 1895 

G. W. Newton.Oct. 14, 1896 

G. G. Henderson...Oct. 20, 1898 

R. G. Clark, 

Qualified Nov. 27, 1900; date of commission not given. 

R. G. Clark...Oct. 10, 1902 

R. G. Clark.Oct. 17, 1904 

R. G. Clark..Nov. 1, 1906 

R. G. Clark.Nov. 3, 1908 

R. G. Clark.Nov. 5, 1910 

R. G. Clark...Oct. 19, 1912 

R. G. Clark...Nov. 30, 1914 

R. G. Clark.Dec. 4, 1916 

Ashley NeSmith...Dec. 9, 1920 

Joe N. Horne.Dec. 4, 1924 

Joe N. Horne.Dec. 5, 1928 

Joe N. Horne.Dec. 1, 1932 


CORONERS 

Name 

Elijah Tillman... 

Wright Flowers. 

Joseph Castleberry. 

S. Mercer. 

Hardy Carlton. 


Date of Commission 

.March 28, 1856 

..Jan. 13, 1858 

.Jan. 24, 1862 

.Feb. 16, 1864 

.Jan. 22, 1866 





























318 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name Date of Commission 

Hardy Carlton.... ..Aug. 22, 1868 

Hardy Carlton........ .Feb. 7, 1871 

Hardy Carlton..Jan. 24, 1873 

Hardy Carlton.... .(Resigned April 8, 1876) Jan. 15, 1875 

James W. Pyles.(Appointed by ordinary) June 10, 1876 

J. D. Roberson____ _(Declined) Jan. 20, 1877 

John J. Scott...... Jan. 10, 1879 

E. Gregory_ Jan. 12, 1881 

E. Gregory.. Jan. 15, 1883 

B. F. Marchant__ Jan. 13, 1885 

M. C. Norman. Jan. 11, 1887 

Moses Norman_ ___...Jan. 8, 1889 

A. J. Twitty.__ ___Jan. 13, 1891 

William R. Key_______Jan. 10, 1893 

P. J. Poppell--Jan. 9, 1895 

E. L. Akins___ Oct. 14, 1896 

E. L. Akins. Oct. 20, 1898 

J A. Barber, 


Qualified Dec. 23, 1900; date of commission not given. 

J. A. Barber...Oct. 10, 1902 

John Barber...:.Oct. 17, 1904 

J. E. Holland.Nov. 1, 1906 

W. E. Dyke.......Nov. 3, 1908 

W. E. Dyke.... ..Nov. 5, 1910 

W. E. Dyke.....Oct. 14, 1912 

W. E. Dyke ..Nov. 30, 1914 

J. A. Barber.....Dec. 4, 1916 

J. A. Barber.Dec. 9, 1920 

J. A. Barber. 1924 

J. A. Barber. .1928 

J. A. Barber. 1932 


F. A. White 


(Appointed) Mar. 2, 1935 
































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


319 


Colquitt County 

(Created Feb. 25, 1856) 

JUSTICES OF THE INFERIOR COURT 

(Four-Year Terms) 

Abraham Strickland.March 28, 1856-Jan. 12, 1857 

Philip Hiers.March 28, 1856-1856 

John Gregory.March 28, 1856-Jan. 12, 1857 

Nathaniel Giles.March 28, 1856-Jan. 12, 1857 

James W. Getty.March 28, 1856-Jan. 12, 1857 

Daniel 0. Saffold..Aug. 13, 1856-Jan. 12, 1857 

Abraham Strickland.Jan. 12, 1857-1858 

James W. Getty....Jan, 12, 1857-1859 

Nathaniel Giles. Jan. 12, 1857-Jan. 10, 1861 

Daniel 0. Saffold. Jan. 12, 1857-Jan. 10, 1861 

James M. Norman.Jan. 12, 1857-1860 

Linton Carlton.May 5, 1858-Jan. 10, 1861 

Henry Scott.Aug. 8, 1859-Jan. 10, 1861 

George W. Tucker.April 9, 1860-Jan. 10, 1861 

John G. Coleman.Jan. 10, 1861-1862 

Jeremiah Bryant Norman...Jan. 10, 1861-Jan. 23, 1865 

Linton Carlton.Jan. 10, 1861-1862 

Henry Gay. Jan. 10, 1861-Jan. 23, 1865 

James Robinson...Jan. 10, 1861-Jan. 23, 1865 

James Douglass.. .Jan. 25, 1862-1863 

Thomas F. Hampton...Feb. 7, 1862-1864 

George W. Tucker.March 11, 1863-Jan. 23, 1865 

Elijah Tillman.... .March 4, 1864-1864 

James Murphy...March 26, 1864-Jan. 23, 1865 

Jeremiah Bryant Norman....Jan. 23, 1865-1868 

Elijah Tillman.Jan. 23, 1865-1868 

James Murphy..Jan. 23, 1865-1868 

George W. Tucker.Jan. 23, 1865-1868 

Absalom Baker...Jan. 23, 1865-1868 

Office abolished by Constitution of 1868. 































320 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


ORDINARIES 

Name Date of Commission 

Hardy Chastain.March 28, 1856 

Peter 0. Wing....May 5, 1858 

Peter 0. Wing..Jan. 10, 1860 

J. Carlton..Feb. 16, 1864 

Janies T. J. Cooper..—-.Feb. 14, 1872 

Job Turner, 

(Ex. Dept, series gives date as Jan. 24, 1873) Jan. 18, 1873 

Henry Gay..Jan. 20, 1877 

Henry Gay... Jan. 12, 1881 

Henry Gay...Jan. 13, 1885 

Henry Gay.....Jan. 8, 1889 

S. G. Gregory, 

(Ex. Dept, series gives date as Jan. 28, 1890) Feb. 19, 1890 

S. G. Gregory.....Jan. 10, 1893 

S. G. Gregory. Oct, 14, 1896 

S. G. Gregory, 

Qualified April 1, 1900; date of commission not given. 

T. H. Parker.Oct. 17, 1904 

T. H. Parker.Nov. 10, 1908 

A. B. Buxton.Oct. 19, 1912 

A. B. Buxton......Dec. 4, 1916 

R. A. Cooper...Oct. 24, 1917 

R. A. Cooper.Dec. 9, 1920 

T. E. Lewis. . Dec. 29, 1932 


Name 

Jacob F. Reichert... 

Darlin Creed. 

Jacob F. Reichert. 

Hiram Gay. 

John Selph... 

John Sloan. 


SHERIFFS 

Date of Commission 

..March 28, 1856 

.Feb. 10, 1858 

. Jan. 10, 1860 

.March 16, 1861 

..Jan. 24, 1862 

..Feb. 16, 1864 




























SHERIFFS 


321 


Name Date of Commission 

John Sloan. Jan. 22, 1866 

Richard Tucker.May 10, 1866 

R. J. Norman.Aug. 22, 1868 

Thomas R. Foyster...Feb. 7, 1871 

J. T. Register.(Declined) Jan. 24, 1873 

W. T. Robinson..(Resigned) May 2, 1873 

John Sloan...Dec. 5, 1873 

John Sloan.Jan. 15, 1875 

J. B. Norman. Jan. 20, 1877 

J. B. Norman.Jan. 10, 1879 

J. K. Frasier.Jan. 12, 1881 

J. T. Register.Jan. 15, 1883 

J. T. Register.(Removed Dec. 18, 1885) Jan. 13, 1885 

D. T. English...Jan. 8, 1886 

Sam Gay.....Jan. 11, 1887 

Franklin Wilson.(Resigned Nov. 21, 1890) Jan. 8, 1889 

G. W. Newton...Jan. 13, 1891 

T. B. Sharp. Jan. 10, 1893 

J. S. Fisher..Jan. 9, 1895 

J. S. Fisher.-.Oct. 14, 1896 

J. S. Fisher...(Resigned Oct. 2, 1900) Oct. 20, 1898 

David or Daniel Murphy, Sr., 

Qualified Dec. 31, 1900; date of commission not given. 

David Murphey.-.Oct. 10, 1902 

J. A. Campbell.Oct. 17, 1904 

J. A. Collier..Nov. 1, 1906 

W. W. Boyd.Nov. 3, 1908 

W. W. Boyd.Nov. 5, 1910 

W. W. Boyd. .Oct. 12, 1912 

W. W. Boyd.-.Nov. 30, 1914 

W. W. Boyd. Dec - 1916 

T. V. Beard.-.Dec. 9 > 1920 
































322 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name Date of Commission 

T. V. Beard.Dec. 9, 1924 

T. V. Beard. .Dec. 4, 1928 

T. V. Beard. . Dec. 1, 1932 


SURVEYORS 

Amos Turner.March 28, 1856 

Robert N. McLin.Jan. 13, 1858 

Samuel C. Gregory.. Jan. 10, 1860 

Samuel C. Gregory. Jan. 24, 1862 

H. Gay. Feb. 16, 1864 

P. B. Monk. Jan. 22, 1866 

Samuel C. Gregory. May 10, 1866 

Samuel C. Gregory.Aug. 22, 1868 

W. Costin..(Declined) Feb. 7, 1871 

John S. Harrell.....Jan. 24, 1873 

P. U. Sineath....Jan. 15, 1875 

Mathew Tucker. Jan. 20, 1877 

Mathew Tucker. Jan. 10, 1879 

Mathew Tucker...Jan. 12, 1881 

Mathew Tucker.Jan. 15, 1883 

Mathew Tucker,.Jan. 13, 1885 

Mathew Tucker. Jan. 11, 1887 

Mathew Tucker....Jan. 8, 1889 

W. W. Roberson.....Jan. 13, 1891 

Mathew Tucker.. Jan. 10, 1893 

Mathew Tucker..Jan. 9, 1895 

Mathew Tucker.... Oct. 14, 1896 

Mathew Tucker. Oct. 20, 1898 

Mathew Tucker, 

Qualified Dec. 27, 1900; date of commission not given. 

Mathew Tucker.Oct. 10, 1902 

J. S. Robinson.Oct. 17, 1904 

J. S. Robinson.Nov. 1, 1906 































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


323 


Name Date of Commission 

J. S. Robinson.Nov. 3, 1908 

J. S. Turner.Nov. 5, 1910 

J. S. Turner.O ct . 14, 1912 

0. H. Long.Nov. 30, 1914 

0. H. Long.Dec. 4, 1916 

John M. Norman.Dec. 9, 1920 

TAX COLLECTORS 

Job Turner.March 28, 1856 

Job Turner....Jan. 12, 1857 

Job Turner.Jan. 13, 1858 

Solomon P. Mims.. Jan. 10, 1859 

Darlin Creed. Jan. 10, 1860 

Darlin Creed.Jan. 10, 1861 

Darlin Creed.March 1, 1862 

Darlin Creed.Feb. 16, 1864 

William H. H. Norman.March 8, 1866 

W. H. H. Norman...Aug. 22, 1868 

S. C. Gregory...Feb. 7, 1871 

S. C. Gregory.(Ousted) Jan. 24, 1873 

C. C. Walters.Jan. 15, 1875 

W. H. H. Norman.Jan. 20, 1877 

George F. Newton.Jan. 10, 1879 

G. T. Newton. Jan. 12, 1881 

G. F. Newton. Jan. 15, 1883 

G. F. Newton.(Resigned Sept. 23, 1886) Jan. 13, 1885 

W. Croft. Jan. 11, 1887 

William N. Croft. . . Jan. 8, 1889 

M. S. Cheshire.J an - 20, 1891 

J. G. Truluck.J an * 10, 1893 

G. G. Truluck. J an - 0, 1895 

j c M a y. Oct. 14, 1896 

J. L. Hartsfield. 0°** 20, 1898 

































324 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name Date of Commission 

J. L. Hartsfield, 

Qualified Dec. 31, 1900; date of commission not given. 

J. L. Hartsfield...Oct. 10, 1902 

P. F. Hutchinson.Oct. 17, 1904 

W. H. Gibson...Nov. 1, 1906 

W. H. Gibson. Nov. 3, 1908 

W. H. Gibson.Nov. 5, 1910 

W. H. Gibson...(Died) Oct. 18, 1912 

Henry Murphy.Jan. 19, 1914 

W. H. Murphy.Nov. 16, 1914 

W. H. Murphy.Dec. 4, 1916 

W. H. Murphy...Dec. 9, 1920 

W. H. Murphy. .Dec. 6, 1924 

W. H. Murphy. Dec. 1, 1928 

W. H. Murphy.Dec. 1, 1932 


TAX RECEIVERS 

John A. Alderman. 

John A. Alderman. 

John A. Alderman. 

John A. Alderman. 

John Tucker. 

John Tucker. 

Darlin Creed. 

J. J. Norman. 

John Tucker. 

John Sloan. 

R. Tucker. 

R. Tucker. 

J. A. Alderman. 

John Owens.. 

George F. Newton. 

Daniel Cooper. 

Daniel S. Cooper. 


March 28, 1856 

.Jan. 12, 1857 

.Jan. 13, 1858 

.Jan. 10, 1859 

.Jan. 10, 1860 

.Jan. 10, 1861 

March 1, 1862 
...Feb. 16, 1864 
...March 8, 1866 
...Aug. 22, 1868 

.Feb. 7, 1871 

.Jan. 24, 1873 

.Jan. 15, 1875 

.Jan. 20, 1877 

.Jan. 10, 1879 

.Jan. 12, 1881 

.Jan. 15, 1883 
































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


325 


Name Date of Commission 

Daniel Cooper.Jan. 13, 1885 

D. S. Cooper.J an . 11, 1887 

D. S. Cooper...J an . 8, 1889 

G. F. Clark.Jan. 13, 1891 

G. F. Clark.Jan. 10, 1893 

J. C. Curies..Jan. 9, 1895 

J. C. Curies.Oct. 14, 1896 

J. A. Wilkes.Oct. 20, 1898 

J. J. Wilkes.Qualified Jan. 1, 1900; date of commission not given. 

M. E. NeSmith.Oct. 10, 1902 

G. W. Rhodes.Oct. 17, 1904 

G. W. Rhodes.Nov. 1, 1906 

J. S. Simmons.Nov. 3, 1908 

W. J. Perry.!.Nov. 5, 1910 

W. J. Perry.Oct. 17, 1912 

J. R. O. Lindsey.Nov. 16, 1914 

J. R. O. Lindsey.Dec. 4, 1916 

Shelton Sharp.Dec. 9, 1920 


TREASURERS 

Mathew Tucker. 

Mathew Tucker. 

Mathew C. Dukes. 

Mathew Tucker. 

R. Bearden. 

Richard J. Norman. 

R. J. Norman. 

E. H. Bryan. 

M. M. Blanton. 

J. D. Barber.. 

L. H. Hall. 

M. M. Blanton. 

M. M. Blanton. 

John A. Tillman. 


May 10, 1866 
.Feb. 7, 1871 
Jan. 24, 1873 
Jan. 15, 1875 
Jan. 20, 1877 
Jan. 10, 1879 
Jan. 12, 1881 
Jan. 15, 1883 
Jan. 13, 1885 
Jan. 11, 1887 
..June 6, 1888 
Jan. 8, 1889 
.Jan. 13, 1891 
Jan. 10, 1893 


































326 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Name Date of Commission 

John A. Tillman, Sr..Jan. 9, 1895 

J. G. Culpepper.Oct. 14, 1896 

J. G. Culpepper.Oct. 20, 1898 

J. G. Culpepper, 

Qualified Nov. 24, 1900; date of commission not given. 

J. A. Milsap.. Oct. 10, 1902 

J. G. Culpepper... Dec. 10, 1903 

Miles Monk, Jr. . ..Oct. 17, 1904 

John A. Barber .Nov. 1, 1906 

John A. Barber......Nov. 3, 1908 

Wright Murphy.....Nov. 5, 1910 

Wright Murphy. . .... .Oct. 16, 1912 

Wright Murphy...Nov. 30, 1914 

Wright Murphy. . . .Dec. 4, 1916 

Ward Murphy....Dec. 17, 1918 

W. E. Dyke.. ... ... ...Dec. 9, 1920 


MAYORS AND CLERKS OF THE CITY OF MOULTRIE 
FROM 1893 TO 1937 

1893- —M. M. Blanton, Mayor; W. W. Robinson, Clerk. 

1894- 5- —R. L. Shipp, Mayor; W. H. Cooper, Clerk. 

1895- —B. P. Crenshaw, Mayor; W. H. Spivey, Clerk. 

1897- —B. P. Crenshaw, Mayor; S. L. Lyles, Clerk. 

1898- —J. G. Culpepper, Mayor; I. M. Autrey, Clerk. 

1899- —C. E. Holmes, Mayor; J. F. Monk, Clerk. 

1900- —C. E. Holmes, Mayor; J. F. Monk, Clerk. 

1901- —B. P. Crenshaw, Mayor; C. L. Austin, Clerk. 

1902- —B. P. Crenshaw, Mayor; C. L. Austin, Clerk. 

1903- —P. B. Allen, Mayor; C. L. Austin, Clerk. 

1904- 5- —J. F. Monk, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 

1906- —W. D. Scott, Mayor; H. E. Parrish, Clerk. 

1907- —J. F. Monk, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 

1908- 9- —W. D. Scott, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 
1910-11- —C. E. Holmes, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 

1912- 13- —W. C. Vereen, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 

1913- 14- —George R. Kline, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 
















HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


327 


1915-16- —W. J. Vereen, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 
1917-18- —W. A. Covington, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 
1919-20-21—J. S. Johnson, Mayor; J. H. Scarborough, Clerk. 
1921-22-23—W. A. Covington, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1923-25- —Howard Ashburn, Mayor Unexpired Term W. A. Cov¬ 
ington; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1926-27- —P. Q. Bryan, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1928-29- —P. Q. Bryan, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1930-31- —C. G. Watson, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1932-33- -—C. G. Watson, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

1934-35- —J. Frank Norman, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 
1936-37- —J. F. Norman, Mayor; G. A. Shaver, Clerk. 

Professional Men of Colquitt County 


Attorneys 

L. L. Moore, Waldo DeLoache, P. Q. Bryan, Hoyt Whel- 
chel, John T. Coyle, Philip Covington, Robert Humphreys, 
James Humphreys, W. A. Covington, John T. Parker, Robert 
Cranford, W. B. Withers, P. D. Hartsfield, Emmet Edwards, 
William Riddlespurger, R. E. Cheshire, Jr., M. L. Bivins, 
Hugh Aderhold, T. W. Maddox. 

Dentists 

T. P. Tison, W. S. Pierce, W. G. Hitchcock, R. E. L. 
Pattillo, R. H. Rogers, J. H. Killibrew, W. F. Blasingame. 

Physicians 

Everett Daniel, C. C. Fletcher, J. E. Lanier, C. M. Hitch¬ 
cock, C. C. Brannen, H. T. Edmundson, C. L. Bennett, E. L. 
Lawson, T. H. Chestnut, James R. Paulk, A. G. Funderburk, 
R. M. Joiner, W. R. McGinty, S. M. Withers, C. B. Slocumb, 
J. C. Stone, H. M. Megee, H. H. Trimble (Osteopath), C. L. 
Dean (Chiropractor), Lynwood Riddlespurger (Chiroprac¬ 
tor), J. B. Woodall. 



328 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Justices of the Peace 


Name Dist. 

Richard B. Gregory. 799 

Josiah Johnson. 799 

James Robinson.1020 

Flournoy Clark.1020 

James M. Norman.1151 

James NeSmith.1151 

Harman Matthis.1151 

Henry F. Mabbett.1151 

Hardin Hancock. 799 

John Sloan Seigner. 799 

Flournoy Clark.1020 

James Robinson--.1020 

James R. Alger. 799 

John Tucker. 799 

John W. Fulwood.1151 

Seaborn Weekes.1184 

Durham Handcock.1020 

Jonathan M. Dukes 1151 

James M, Savage.1151 

James R. Alger. 799 

Daniel Bustle. 799 

James M. Norman.-1151 

Mathew Tucker . 1151 

J. M. Norman.-.1151 

James Brown.1151 

Hardin Hancock, Sr. 799 

A. P. Hutchison. 799 

J. A. Alderman .1020 

J. W. Wells.1020 

Flournoy Clark.1184 

Seaborn Weekes.1184 

James B. Hancock. 799 

James R. Alger. 799 

R. J. (S.) Marlow.1151 

John Tucker. 799 

Wiley N. Holland. 799 

Charles H. Johnson.1020 

William Russell.1020 


Date of Com’n 

Date Succeeded 

May 

20, 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

May 

20, 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

June 

s 28, 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

June 

> 28, 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

Aug. 

2 , 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

Aug. 

2, 1856 

Jan. 

27, 

1857 

Jan. 

27, 1857 

Mch 

. 22 

, 1858 

Jan. 

27, 1857 

Feb. 

20, 

1860 

Jan. 

27, 1857 

Jan. 

21, 

1858 

Jan. 

27, 1857 

Jan. 

21, 

1858 

Jan. 

27, 1857 




Jan. 

27, 1857 




Jan. 

21, 1858 

Feb. 

4. : 

I860 

Jan. 

21, 1858 

Feb. 

4, 1860 

Mch. 

, 22, 1858 

Mch. 

11, 

, 1859 

Dec. 

21, 1858 




Jan. 

1, 1859 




Mch. 

. 11, 1859 

Sept. 

22 

, 1859 

Sept. 

. 22, 1859 

Feb. 

20, 

1860 

Feb. 

4, 1860 




Feb. 

4, 1860 




Feb. 

20, 1860 




Feb. 

20, 1860 




Jan. 

16 1861 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Jan. 

16 1861 

Mch. 

15, 

1862 

Jan. 

16, 1861 

Jan. 

27, 

1862 

Jan. 

16, 1861 

Jan. 

27, 

1862 

Jan. 

16, 1861 

Mch. 

28, 

1863 

Jan. 

16, 1861 

Mch. 

28, 

1863 

Mch. 

21 1861 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Mch. 

21, 1861 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Jan. 

27, 1862 

Nov. 

11, 

1862 

Jan. 

27, 1862 

Nov. 

11, 

1862 

Mch. 

15, 1862 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Nov. 

11, 1862 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Nov. 

11, 1862 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 

Mch. 

28, 1863 

May 

4. 1864 

Mch. 

28, 1863 

Jan. 

28, 

1865 








































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 
Justices of the Peace 


329 


Name 

Dist. 

Date of Com’n 

Date Succeeded 

John Robinson. 

.1020 

May 4, 1864 

Jan. 28, 1865 

Robert Bearden. 

.1151 

Jan. 28, 1865 

W. J. Alderman.- 

-.1020 

Jan. 28, 1865 

Mch. 20, 1866 

J. W. Giles. 

.1151 

Jan. 28, 1865 


C. A. Hiers. 

.1020 

Jan. 28, 1865 

Mch. 20, 1866 

Hardin Hancock. 

. 799 

Jan. 28, 1865 


John Tucker. 

. 799 

Jan. 28, 1865 

June 20, 1866 

Seaborn Weekes . 

.1184 

Jan. 28, 1865 


Flournoy Clark . 

.1184 

Jan. 28, 1865 


James Robinson . 

.1020 

Mch. 20, 1866 


William W. Burgess — 

.1020 

Mch. 20, 1866 


Josiah Johnson. 

. 799 

June 20 1866 


Daniel F. Luke. 

. 799 

May 1, 1869 

(Resigned Sept. 1870) 

James Gay. 

.1151 

May 1, 1869 


Worthy Martin. 

.1020 

Feb. 15, 1871 


Joe Ruchtey. 

. 799 

Feb. 15, 1871 


John S. Harrell. 

.1184 

May 9, 1872 


J. Richter. 

----- 799 

Jan. 22, 1873 

(Resigned May 8 1875) 

Owen Gregory. 

.-1151 

Jan. 22, 1873 


G. F. Cooper. 

.1020 

Jan. 22, 1873 


Absalom Baker. 

.1184 

June 2, 1873 

(Resigned Mch. 8 1875) 

Franklin J. Walker. 

.1020 

July 20, 1874 

(Declined) 

George W. Hooker. 

.1020 

Oct. 16, 1874 


Henry L. Pollock. 

.1184 

Mch 15 1875 

(Removed Dec. 1, 1875) 

R. Tucker. 

. 799 

Aug. 31, 1875 


Seaborn Weekes. 

.1184 

Dec. 27, 1875 


George W. Hooker. 

.1020 

Jan. 30, 1877 


Randal N. Folsom. 

.1184 

Jan. 30, 1877 


Richard Tucker. 

. 799 

Jan. 30, 1877 


Owen Gregory. 

.1151 

Jan. 30, 1877 


G. W. Hooker. 

.1020 

Jan. 24, 1881 


J. F. Cooper. 

.1151 

Jan. 29, 1881 


Seaborn Weekes. 

.1184 

Mch. 2, 1881 


Richard Tucker 

. 799 

Mch. 2, 1881 


Eli Clark . 

.1373 

May 17, 1884 


H. B. Lawson. 

.1374 

May 26 1884 


A. J. Strickland. 

.1151 

Jan. 22 1885 


M. J. Horn, Sr.. 

.1373 

Jan. 22, 1885 









































330 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Justices of the Peace 

Name Dist. Date of Com’n Date Succeeded 

William T. Robinson.1020 Jan. 22, 1885 

W. W. Hawkins.1374 Jan. 22, 1885 (Resigned Apr. 7, 1885) 

James J. Willis.1374 Feb. 17, 1886 

W. T. Robinson.1020 Jan. 23, 1889 

W. R. Stallings.1151 Jan. 23, 1889 

M. J. Horn.1373 Jan. 23, 1889 (Resigned Mch. 14, 1891) 

R. Tucker. 799 Jan. 23, 1889 

J. J. Keigans.1184 Jan. 23, 1889 

G. F. Clark.1374 Jan. 26, 1889 (Resigned Jan. 23, 1891) 

G. W. Hooker.1020 May 8, 1890 

J. J. Wilkes.1445 July 3, 1891 

T. G. (J.) Lindsey.1374 July 3, 1891 

D. A. Mashburn.1393 July 6, 1891 

Jacob Shiver. 1482 Mch. 18, 1892 

T. B. Sharp.1184 Apr. 18, 1892 

J. C. Curies.1020 July 28, 1892 

G. W. Rolan. 799 Jan. 25, 1893 

Daniel Burney.1020 Jan. 25, 1893 

J. W. Strickland.1151 Jan. 25, 1893 

Isaac Horn.1373 Jan. 25, 1893 

J. J. Wilkes..1445 Jan. 25, 1893 

Jacob Shiver.1482 Jan. 25, 1893 

J. D. Hartsfield.1510 Nov. 4, 1893 

W. W. Baker...1374 Jan. 16, 1894 

G. W. Hooker.1151 Feb. 4, 1895 

J. E. Crawford.1184 Feb. 4, 1895 

J. W. Taylor.1538 July 6, 1896 (Resigned Nov. 4, 1897) 

G. W. Hooker.1151 Jan. 12, 1897 

W. J. Rhodes.1549 Jan. 12, 1897 

J. H. Young..1184 Jan. 12, 1897 

F. J. Walker.1020 Jan. 12. 1897 (Resigned Jan. 19, 1899) 

J. S. Robinson.1373 Jan. 12, 1897 

Jacob Shiver.1482 Jan. 12, 1897 

Richard Tucker. 799 Jan. 12, 1897 

J. T. Monroe.1510 Jan. 12, 1897 

J. J. Wilkes.1445 Jan. 12, 1897 (Resigned Oct. 17, 1898) 

W. W. Baker.1374 Jan. 12, 1897 

G. W. Hammond 1445 Jan. 13, 1899 








































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


331 


Justices of the Peace 


Name 

Dist. 

Date of Corn’ 

W. T. Cooper. 

.1020 

Apr. 4, 1899 

A. B. Lay. 


Sept. 1, 1900 

J. D. Calhoun. 

.1374 

Dec. 18, 1900 

Jacob Shiver. 

.1482 

Dec. 18, 1900 

M. G. Scarboro. 

.1373 

Dec. 18, 1900 

J. B. Sheppeard. 

.1582 

Dec. 18, 1900 

G. W. Hooker. 

.1151 

Dec. 18, 1900 

Daniel Burney. 

.1020 

Dec. 18, 1900 

Richard Tucker. 

. 799 

Dec. 18, 1900 

W. J. Rhodes. 


Dec. 18, 1900 

G. W. Hammond. 

..1445 

Dec. 18, 1900 

J. G. Smith. 

.1510 

Dec. 18, 1900 

D. F. Luke. 


Dec. 18, 1900 

J. T. Monroe. 

.1582 

Dec. 15, 1904 

John M. Walters. 

.1510 

Dec. 15, 1904 

G. W. Hooker. 

.1151 

Dec. 15, 1904 

R. P. Hening. 

.1482 

Dec. 15, 1904 

G. W. West. 

.1445 

Feb. 7, 1905 

W. T. Cooper. 

.1020 

Feb. 7, 1905 

A. J. Smith. 

.1373 

Mch. 16, 1905 

J. D. Hansford. 

.1617 

July 6, 1905 

J. D. Hartsfield. 

.1510 

July 6, 1905 

T. J. Adams. 

.1538 

Mch. 2, 1907 

W. J. Ross. 

.1617 

Mch. 16, 1907 

D. J. Newton. 

.1549 

Dec. 14, 1907 

J. S. Simmons. 

.1665 

Dec. 14, 1907 

A. J. Smith 

.1373 

Dec. 19, 1908 

W. T. Bell. 

...1482 

Dec. 19, 1908 

W. T. Cooper. 

.1020 

Dec. 19, 1908 

Richard Tucker 

. 799 

Dec. 19, 1908 

J. M. Pope. 

..1665 

Dec. 19, 1908 

J. D. Hartsfield. 

.1510 

Dec. 19, 1908 

T. J. Adams. 

.1538 

Dec. 19, 1908 

G. W. Handley. 

.1549 

Dec. 19, 1908 

G. W. Hooker. 

.1151 

Dec. 19, 1908 

J. T. Monroe. 

.1582 

Jan. 11, 1909 

J. J. Sorrell. 

.1684 

Aug. 17, 1909 

D. L. Griffin. 

-—1374 

Oct. 11, 1910 


Date Succeeded 


(Resigned Dec. 16, 1902) 


(Resigned Aug. 5, 1901) 


(Resigned Mch. 24, 1902) 
(Resigned July 21, 1904) 


(Resigned) 
(Removed) 


(Resigned) 


(Resigned Dec. 30, 1908) 


(Resigned Dec. 12, 1910) 


(Term began) 








































332 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Justices of the Peace 

Name Dist. Date of Com’n Date Succeeded 

J. T. Monroe.1582 Dec. 18, 1912 

J. T. Dunlap.1445 Dec. 18, 1912 (Declined) 

J. D. Calhoun.1617 Dec, 18, 1912 

J. D. Hartsfield.1510 Dec. 18, 1912 

G. W. Hooker.1151 Dec. 18, 1912 (Resigned Feb. 21, 1914) 

J. J. Sorrell..1684 Dec. 18 1912 

W. F. Walters.1538 Dec. 18, 1912 

W. W. Baker.-.1374 Dec. 18, 1912 

J. M. Pope.1665 Dec. 18, 1912 

M. W. Schwall...1549 Dec. 18, 1912 

W. T. Bell.1482 Dec. 18, 1912 

C. E. McLendon. 799 Dec. 18, 1912 

W. T. Cooper.1020 Jan. 2 1913 

S. W. Scott.1373 Jan. 2, 1913 

W. B. Ingram.1184 Feb. 6 1913 

J. 0. Gibson..1151 June 11, 1914 

W. L. Greene.1374 Oct. 1, 1914 

J. T. Walters.1582 July 1, 1915 

J. J. Strickland. 799 Dec. 21, 1916 

J. J. Sorrell.1020 Dec. 21, 1916 

R. C. Norman.1151 Dec. 21, 1916 

E. E. Simmons.1184 Dec. 21, 1916 

G. T. Tucker.1373 Dec. 21, 1916 (Resigned Dec. 17, 1917) 

J. H. Sumner...1374 Dec. 21, 1916 

W. T. Bell.1482 Dec. 21, 1916 

J. G. Smith.1510 Dec. 21, 1916 (Resigned Aug. 6, 1918) 

A. G. Jones..1538 Dec. 21, 1916 

M. W. Schwall.1549 Dec. 21, 1916 

J. T. Walters.1582 Dec. 21, 1916 

L. W. Cone.1617 Dec. 21 1916 

J. M. Pope.1665 Dec. 21, 1916 

J. B. Tillman.1684 Dec. 21, 1916 

J. O. Gibson.1151 Dec. 21, 1916 (Resigned Oct. 5, 1917) 

C. E. McLendon.1759 Oct. 10, 1917 

Arthur Chambers.1020 Oct. 26, 1917 

L. F. Maire, Jr..1151 Nov. 9, 1917 

S. S. Luke.1510 Dec. 12, 1918 

W. H. Hatchet .1020 Nov. 4, 1919 








































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


333 


Justices of the Peace 

Name Dist. Date of Com’n Date Succeeded 

J. E. Brant'ey.1769 Oct. 28, 1919 

W. W. Rhodes.1510 Jan. 1, 1921 (Resigned Apr. 19, 1921) 

Louis F. Maire, Jr..1151 Jan. 1, 1921 (Resigned Jan. 17, 1923) 

L. W. Cone.1617 Jan. 1, 1921 

J. T. Walters.1582 Jan. 1, 1921 

J. E. Bradley...1769 Jan. 1, 1921 

W. H. Folsom.1184 Jan. 1, 1921 

J. A. Green.1549 Jan. 1, 1921 (Resigned Oct. 31. 1922) 

M. C. Snipes.1759 Jan. 1, 1921 

W. H. Hatchet.1020 Jan. 1, 1921 

C. H. Baker.1374 Jan. 1, 1921 

J. M. Pope.1665 Feb. 23, 1921 

W. T. Bell.1482 Feb. 23, 1921 

Joe A. Bannister.1538 May 30, 1921 

J. W. Harvey. 799 Nov. 21, 1921 

L. G. Gregory.1510 Sept. 21, 1922 

John T. Coyle.1151 Aug. 13, 1923 

J. W. Walters..1582 Dec. 15, 1920 

J. W. Walters.1582 Dec. 20, 1925 

W. C. Snipes...1759 Dec. 15, 1920 

J. J. Chambers.1759 Dec. 20, 1924 

Joe A. Bannister. 1538 April 23, 1921 

Joe A. Bannister.1538 Jan. 1, 1929 

J. G. Smith...1510 Dec. 20, 1924 

J. G. Smith.1510 Dec. 20, 1928 

L. G. Norman.1684 Mch. 9, 1925 

J. F. Mashburn..1373 Dec. 20, 1924 

J. G. Coyle.1151 Aug. 30, 1923 

J. G. Coyle.-.1151 Dec. 20, 1924 

J. R. Green.1549 Dec. 15, 1920 

A. C. Cannon. 1549 Dec. 20, 1924 

J. E. Bradley.1769 Dec. 20, 1924 

J. M. Pope.1665 Dec. 13, 1921 

J. M. Pope.1665 Dec. 20, 1924 

W. H. Hatchet.1020 Dec. 25, 1920 

W. T. Bell.....1482 Feb. 12, 1921 

G. C. Monroe.1482 Dec. 20, 1924 

C. H. Baker.1374 Dec. 15, 1920 








































334 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Justices of the Peace 


Name Dist. 

D. R. Powell.1374 

W. H. Folsom.1184 

J. M. Folsom.1184 

Perry Tucker. 799 

J. F. Cogland.1617 

J. T. Walters.1582 

J. J. Chambers.1759 

H. M. Allegood.1538 

R. D. Goolsby.1510 

J. T. Mashburn.1373 

J. T. Cagle.1151 

J. T. Green. 1549 

J. E. Bradley.1769 

J. M. Pope.1665 

H. R. Foreman.1665 

W. H. Hatchet.1020 

G. C. Monroe.1482 

D. R. Powell.1374 

I. M. Folsom.1184 

W. O. Baldy.1184 

Perry Tucker. 799 

J. W. Stafford.1617 

J. T. Walters.1582 

J. J. Chambers.....1759 

H. M. Allegood.1538 

R. D. Goolsby.1510 

Henry T. Baker.1684 

J. F. Mashburn..1373 

J. T. Coyle.1151 

J. T. Green.1549 

H. R. Foreman. 1665 

J. M. Odom.1020 

G. C. Norman.1482 

D. R. Powell.1374 

W. O. Baldy.1184 


Date of ConTn Date Succeeded 
Jan. 31, 1935 
Dec. 15, 1920 
Dec. 15, 1924 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
May 2, 1932 
July 23 1929 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
July 23 1929 
Dec. 20 1928 
Dec. 11, 1930 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Dec. 13, 1929 
Dec. 20, 1928 
Jan. 17, 1933 
Jan. 9, 1933 
Jan. 4, 1933 
Dec. 1 1932 
Jan. 4, 1933 
Jan. 1, 1933 
Dec. 31, 1932 
Dec. 1, 1932 
Jan. 18, 1933 
Dec. 1, 1932 
Dec. 1, 1932 
Jan. 17, 1933 
Dec. 20, 1932 
Dec. 31, 1932 





































HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


335 


World War Veterans 


Adams, Ed (colored)......Moultrie 

Adams, Thomas F. (colored). .... .Doerun 

Adams, William L.:.Moultrie 

Akridge, Jesse F.. . . . .Doerun 

Akins, Clifford F. .Autreyville 

Aldridge, William 0.......Moultrie 

Alexander, Charles H. (colored)....Moultrie 

Alderman, William I. Moultrie 

Allegood, James Linton, R. R. 1....Moultrie 

Allegood, David W.......Moultrie 

Allen, Daniel (colored), 621 2nd St.. ...Moultrie 

Alton, Charles L. Ellenton 

Ammons, George W. Moultrie 

Anderson, Earl J.... ..Moultrie 

Arnett, Grover, R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Arnold, Humble (colored), 610 2nd St. N. E...Moultrie 

Asbell, James F., R. R. 2. .Moultrie 

Asbell, Noah J., 4 West St.......Moultrie 

Avera, Arnold L. Berlin 

Baker, Asa, R. R. L......Norman Park 

Baker, David Martin. Ellenton 

Baker, Frank. .—...Ellenton 

Baker, Ivey..... . . .Moultrie 

Baker, Jerry I. Moultrie 

Baker, Jobe J., R. R. 1. . Moultrie 

Baker, Moses T. Moultrie 

Banister, Levi A.-.. Mei g s 

Barlow, Charlie D., R. R. 4.. Moultrie 

Barlow, John T., R. R. 4... .Moultrie 

Barnett, George W. (colored), 618 3rd St. N. W...Moultrie 

Barrow, Henry H. Mei g s 

Beal, Courtney (colored). Moultrie 



































336 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Beard, Thomas V., Box 284.Moultrie 

Beard, William P.. Doerun 

Belcher, Gordon L.Moultrie 

Belcher, Jesse 0., R. R. 2.Norman Park 

Bell, Fred (colored), R. R. 1, Box 83.Omega 

Bell, Joseph Matthew.......Moultrie 

Bellamy, Josh (colored).......Moultrie 

Beverly, Harry B., N. Main St_ ___Moultrie 

Blackburn, Daniel W.. Doerun 

Blacke, John F. (colored)......Moultrie 

Blalock, Herman (colored). Moultrie 

Blassingame, Walter A......Moultrie 

Bobo, Carter T.. Autreyville 

Bobo, Idus..... Autreyville 

^Borders, Ellis, R. R. 4. . .Moultrie 

Boykin, John (colored).......Norman Park 

Bozeman, John W.. .Norman Park 

Bozeman, Patrick G. W......Norman Park 

Bragg, Olin F_ ______Funston 

Brazel, Lonnie, R. R. 4.....Doerun 

Brimley, Robert (colored)...Norman Park 

Brice, Albert. Moultrie 

Brooks, Howard Orville, 305 5th Ave.......Moultrie 

Brown, Cleveland (colored), R. R. 3.Doerun 

Brown, Joshua B. (colored), 609 3rd St.Moultrie 

Brown, Ossie (colored), 310 Northeast 5th St..Moultrie 

Brown, Olga R. Moultrie 

Brown, Toler (colored)........Moultrie 

Brownlee, Stonewall, R. R. 1......Doerun 

Bruce, Vernon L. Crosland 

Bryant, Ernest A. Hartsfield 

Bryan, Michael J., 519 1st Ave. N. E.Moultrie 

Bryan, Murray, R. R. 3.Moultrie 

Bryan, T. M., 519 1st St.Moultrie 

Bryan, William G., R. R.Hartsfield 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 337 

Bryant, Obie (colored).....Autreyville 

Bullock, Grady (colored) Northeast 5th Ave...Moultrie 

Burgess, Walter L., R. R. 1, Box 45..Berlin 

Burk, Alonza (colored).. .. ......Berlin 

Burt, John (colored), R. R. 5........ .Moultrie 

Burton, Robert A______Moultrie 

Butler, Dennis (colored). Moultrie 

Butler, Geo. Jr. (colored), R. R. 4, Box 65____Moultrie 

Butler, Harry (colored), R. R. 4 ....Moultrie 

Butler, Hoyt B., Box 75. .Norman Park 

Butts, Eugene (colored). Moultrie 

Bynum, Andrew H., R. R. 1....Hartsfield 

Byrd, James H..... .Grosland 

Caesar, Julius (colored).... .Moultrie 

*Cain, Mack B. (colored), 310 2nd Ave......Moultrie 

Calhaun, Joseph B___ _ __Moultrie 

Callon, Richard. Moultrie 

Cannon, Jesse (colored), R. R. 3.....Moultrie 

Carlisle, Spurgeon (colored). Moultrie 

Carlton, Charlie T., 5th Ave____ __Moultrie 

Carter, James H.. ... ..Berlin 

Carter, Samuel M. (colored)......Crosland 

Carver, Rowan P.......Moultrie 

Carver, William A.... ..Doerun 

Castleberry, William J.—. .Omega 

Chafin, Allen R., R. R. 1..Norman Park 

Chalkley, Willard A. Doerun 

Chapman, Adair P., R. R. 3... . .Berlin 

Chatham, John G., R. R. 5. . Berlin 

Cheney, George W. Berlin 

Clark, Franklin G., R. R. 2. .Crosland 

Clark, James F., R. R. 2..Crosland 

Clark, James H., R. R. 4 .Moultrie 

Clark, Thomas H. Doerun 

Clark, William R., R. R. 1, Box 120.. Autreyville 





































338 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Cleveland, Evans 0. S. (colored), 311 4th St..Moultrie 

Colbert, John H. (colored)....Doerun 

Cole, Eugene (colored), 7th St.. .Moultrie 

*Coleman, Walter W. Berlin 

Collier, Wade C.... . .Moultrie 

Cooper, Luther B... .. .Moultrie 

Commander, Paul P., R. R. 2. ... .Doerun 

Conger, Bengman D .. ...Norman Park 

Connard, Clifford (colored).....Moultrie 

Cooper, Carlos G.•-...Moultrie 

Cooper, Eldred. Berlin 

Cooper, Fred (colored) .Norman Park 

Cooper, Luther B . Moultrie 

Covington, Andrew (colored). Funston 

Covington, John (colored). Moultrie 

Covington, Sidney S., 606 3rd St. S. E_ ___Moultrie 

Crawford, James W_ _______Moultrie 

Crawford, Thomas C..._. Moultrie 

Croft, Chester L., R. R. 1...Autreyville 

Croft, George L., R. R. 2... ..Pavo 

Croft, Harmon H. Berlin 

Croft, Ruford... .. .Berlin 

Crosby, Daniel E... ..Ellenton 

Crosby, Henry, R. R. 1.....Doerun 

Crosby, Nelson Washington, R. R. 1..Norman Park 

Crosby, Rogers...Norman Park 

Crosby, William R—.... .....Moultrie 

Cross, Fred (colored).Moultrie 

Curls, John M....... .Berlin 

Curls, Lee F___________Berlin 

Curies, James H. Berlin 

Daniels, Rufus (colored), 214 7th St. .Moultrie 

Davidson, James T., R. R. 5. .Moultrie 

Davis, Carvey G.. Doerun 

Davis, Doll (colored), 302 2nd St. N. W..Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 339 

Davis, Felix (colored), R. R. 2.Murphy 

Davis, George T.Hartsfield 

Davis, Julius (colored).Norman Park 

Davis, John A. (colored).Moultrie 

Davis, Olin M. . . .Moultrie 

Davis, Perry L., R. R. 1. Doerun 

Davis, Thomas (colored).Moultrie 

*Davis, Van (colored).Berlin 

Davis, Walker.Hartsfield 

Davis, William H. Doerun 

Delaney, Thomas C., R. R. 3.. .Moultrie 

Dill, John T., R. R. 2...Moultrie 

Dillard, James C.....Moultrie 

Dillard, Jeptha, R. R. 4. Moultrie 

Dismuke, Marcellous.....Doerun 

Dismuke, Zadock M. Doerun 

Dodson, Custis T. Crosland 

Dowling, James L., 703 1st Ave.Moultrie 

Duke, Melvin M., R. R. 4.Doerun 

Dukes, Alonzo H. (colored), 500 2nd Ave. N. W. ..Moultrie 

Dunn, Clarence H. Moultrie 

Edwards, Joe (colored).Moultrie 

Elder, James H. (colored), 417 2nd St. N. W..Moultrie 

Elder, Ollie (colored), R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Enoch, Henry (colored).Norman Park 

Eubanks, William T. Moultrie 

Evers, John H. Moultrie 

Evans, Floyd E.Moultrie 

Everett, John (colored).Moultrie 

Exum, Jess.-.Berlin 

Faircloth, Byron B., R. R. 4.Doerun 

Faircloth, Jaddie. Moultrie 

Farris, Cleve (colored), R. R. 3.Doerun 

Fellis, Joe (colored).Moultrie 

Fenn, Fred A.Moultrie 





































340 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Fender, Frank.Ellenton 

Felts, Edward L. Ellenton 

Fletcher, Roy Steven.Moultrie 

Fletcher, Wiley M. Moultrie 

Flewellen, Cliff W. (colored) ... Doerun 

Floyd, Leonard I. Moultrie 

Folsom, Ellis. Berlin 

Foreman, Charlie Will.-.Norman Park 

Forrester, Joe (colored). Moultrie 

Foster, Lester. Moultrie 

Frazier, Harvey (colored).Moultrie 

Frederick, Charlie J. (colored), 517 3rd St. S. W.Moultrie 

Fryer, John (colored).Norman Park 

Fussell, Homer D., R. R. 3. .Moultrie 

Fussell, John B.. Moultrie 

Gaines, Clyde R. Doerun 

Gancy, Walter C. Berlin 

Garland, Pierce (colored), R. R. 3, Box 33...Doerun 

Garris, James W. Crosland 

Gautier, David P... Funston 

Gay, David H., R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Gay, Hiram...... . Doerun 

Gay, John Cary, R. R. 3, Box 48..Moultrie 

Gay, Perry. Moultrie 

Gay, Robert H., R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Gay, Warren.Moultrie 

Gibson, Robert L. Moultrie 

Giddens, Carl T.. . Moultrie 

Giles, John W., R. R. 1...Hartsfield 

Giles, Joseph D. ..Norman Park 

Giles, Lacey, R. R. 2. Moultrie 

Godwin, Theodore R. Moultrie 

Goff, James M. Moultrie 

Going, Clinton Field. Doerun 

Goings, Merrell E., R. R. 3. Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 341 

Goolsby, Devon Jefferson.Moultrie 

Gordon, Harrison (colored).Moultrie 

Gordon, Robert (colored).Moultrie 

Gordon, Roy (colored).Moultrie 

Graddy, John Richard (colored), R. R. 4, Box 44.Moultrie 

Graham, Prince (colored).Norman Park 

Grant, James J., R. R. 2....Hartsfield 

Grant, John A., R. R. 2.Hartsfield 

Grayer, Elbert (colored), R. R. 2.Doerun 

Gray, Alvin, R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Gray, George, R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Gray, Kendrick.Moultrie 

Gray, Wiley, R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Green, Calvin D....Moultrie 

Green, Walter L.Moultrie 

Hall, Alexander.Moultrie 

Hall, Colonel (colored).Ellenton 

Hall, Earl, R. R. 2.Doerun 

Hall, Hosea M., R. R. 3.Doerun 

*Hall, Lewis (colored).Doerun 

Hall, Ottie L.Norman Park 

Hall, Robin A...Moultrie 

Hall, William T., Gen. Del. Norman Park 

Hall, Willie C. (colored), 7th St.Moultrie 

Hallis, Charlie (colored), R. R. 3.Doerun 

Haman, Warren..Norman Park 

Hammack, Hubert A...Doerun 

Hancock, Leonard Hugh, R. R. 2.Doerun 

Hancock, Tom, R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Harden, Earley M..Moultrie 

Harrell, Edwin C.Doerun 

Harrell, Wade H. . Doerun 

Harrington, Sam (colored).Moultrie 

Harris, Acie (colored), R. R. 2, Box 62.Doerun 

* Harris, Elmer H.-.Moultrie 





































342 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

^Harris, Jim (colored), R. R. 4..Doerun 

Harris, Will (colored).Crosland 

Harrod, John H. Jr., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Hasty, Allen H., R. R. 1.Funston 

Hawkins, Charles W., 315 2nd St. N. W.Moultrie 

Hay, John, R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Hendricks, Samuel P.Norman Park 

Hendrix, James K . Moultrie 

Henry, Elbert (colored).Moultrie 

Herring, Arthur (colored)...Moultrie 

Herring, Grover C...Moultrie 

Harrington, Drew (colored).Moultrie 

Hester, Jesse L... . .. .Berlin 

Hester, Thoe (colored). Moultrie 

Hester, Willie J__ Berlin 

Hires, Dock, R. R. 1...Moultrie 

Hobgood, William H.. Hartsfield 

Hodges, Silas (colored).Moultrie 

Holder, Wesley R.Moultrie 

Holland, David T. . Ellenton 

Holland, Edward, R. R. 1....Moultrie 

Holland, Elmo H. ...Hartsfield 

Holland, Enos R., R. R. 1. Hartsfield 

Hollis, Monroe (colored), R. R. 1. . .Moultrie 

Hollis, Will (colored)...Moultrie 

Holt, W(alter) E.Berlin 

Holton, Simp. Moultrie 

Horkoer, Jack D., 519 East Ave. Moultrie 

Horne, George H., R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Horn, James R., R. R. 2......Doerun 

Horne, Macjah R. Moultrie 

Horne, Macajah R., R. R. 4. Moultrie 

Horne, Marion B., R. R. 4. Moultrie 

Houser, Jim (colored)..Moultrie 

Howard, Carl. Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 343 

Howell, Irvy P. Moultrie 

Huff, Robert L., R. R. 4. Doerun 

Hurley, Bill (colored).Moultrie 

Hurley, Jeff (colored).Moultrie 

Hyatt, Charlie (colored).Moultrie 

Irving, Willie (colored), R. R. 1..Funston 

Isom, Don Russell. .Moultrie 

Jackson, Andrew (colored), R. R. 5, Box 9.Moultrie 

Jackson, Boss (colored).Moultrie 

Jackson, Fred (colored).Norman Park 

Jackson, Joe (colored), 616 E. 2nd St.Moultrie 

Jackson, Scolly (colored).Moultrie 

Jacobson, Morris.Moultrie 

James, Arthur (colored), R. R. 3.Moultrie 

Jarman, Claud Foy.Moultrie 

Jeffords, Jerry.Doerun 

Jefferson, Madison (colored). Moultrie 

Jenkins, Joseph T(homas) (colored).Moultrie 

Jenkins, Paul, R. R. 2. Doerun 

Jennings, Charlie (colored). .Moultrie 

Johnson, James P., R. R. 1. Funston 

Johnson, Johnny (colored).. Moultrie 

Johnson, Murry S., R. R. 2....Moultrie 

Johnson, Oliver J., Jr. Moultrie 

Johnson, Ross, R. R. 3. Doerun 

Johnson, Roy W., 906 Main St. Moultrie 

Johnston, Pearry.Moultrie 

Jones, Charlie L. (colored). Moultrie 

Jones, Charlie (colored), Gen. Del. Moultrie 

Jones, Earnest (colored). Moultrie 

Jones, George, R. R. 2. Hartsfield 

Jones, George (colored), R. R. 3. Ellenton 

Jones, Lester (colored).Moultrie 

Jones, Orange (colored). Funston 

Jordon, Alonzo (colored), 502 2nd St. N. E.Moultrie 





































344 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Jordan, Charles W... Moultrie 

Jordan, James L. Moultrie 

Jordan, Jason R., R. R. 2. ..Moultrie 

Jordan, Wade G. Moultrie 

Keigans, John P., R. R. 1. Norman Park 

Keigans, Sam. Moultrie 

Kelly, James 0. .. . Moultrie 

Kent, James (colored), R. R. 1—.. Harlem 

Kent, Grover C., R. R. 1----- -Berlin 

Kincaid, Oscar W. . Moultrie 

Kline, Harry R. Moultrie 

Land, George W.. Doerun 

Land, Walter H., 221 1st St.----- .Moultrie 

Laramore, Rosser A., 500 N. Main St.Moultrie 

Lasane, John (colored)...Norman Park 

Law, Gordon (colored), R. R. 1..Autreyville 

Lawson, Simuel L. (colored).Crosland 

Lee, Thomas W..Moultrie 

Leggett, Robert L., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Lewis, George....-. .Moultrie 

Lewis, John T. (colored), 303 1st Ave. West.Moultrie 

Lewis, Norman L.... Moultrie 

Lewis, Willie Green, R. R. 3..Moultrie 

Liner, Carl E.Hartsfield 

Long, Guy Odell. Doerun 

Long, Jesse C. . ... Doerun 

Lott, James E_ _____ __Moultrie 

Lovett, Charlton A....Norman Park 

Lovett, Henry M. ....Norman Park 

Lovett, Steve M... Ellenton 

Lowry, William R. Riverside 

Luke, John C-- ------ Hartsfield 

Lunford, Jim (colored), R. R. 3, Box 43..Doerun 

Lynch, Wilbur G. Berlin 

Lynche, Wade.,.Crosland 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 345 

McClain, John (colored).Norman Park 

McClung, John. Moultrie 

McClurg, Henry H., 603 6th St. N. W..Moultrie 

McConnell, Lewis D.Norman Park 

McCoy, Cleve (colored), Gen. Del........Doerun 

McCrary, John (colored)...Moultrie 

McDonald, Arthur P. Moultrie 

McDonald, Joseph E., R. R. 5.Moultrie 

McDougald, Arthur, R. R. 3.Moultrie 

McElmurray, Clifford A.......Moultrie 

McElvin, Prophet (colored), 1st Ave.Moultrie 

McGalliard, Howard N., R. R. Hartsfield 

McGill, Wesley C.Doerun 

McGregor, Franklin T. .Norman Park 

McGuire, Grover G. Moultrie 

McIntyre, Willie (colored), 2 Mid East St. .Moultrie 

McKinnie, Luther M., R. R.Moultrie 

McKown, Henry T...Moultrie 

McKee, Albert D.Moultrie 

McKinney, Howard (colored).Moultrie 

McLendon, James M..Hartsfield 

McLendon, Johnie W.Hartsfield 

McLeon, Calvin E.Moultrie 

McLeon, Homer A., R. R. 1. Moultrie 

McMillian, Henry.Norman Park 

McNeil, Tom (colored), 610 Northeast 2nd St.Moultrie 

MackNeill, Clarence, Jr. (colored), 724 2nd Ave. N. W.Moultrie 

Mann, Ulas (colored), R. R. 4.Doerun 

Manning, Ambrose H....Moultrie 

Marshall, Fred (colored), R. R. 1. .Doerun 

Martin, Walter J. Moultrie 

Mashburn, David E. Doerun 

Mashburn, James F....Doerun 

* Mason, George Franklin.Moultrie 

Mason, Johnnie (colored), 624 North E St.Moultrie 




































346 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Mather, William C.Moultrie 

*Mathews, Arthur Clarence. Funston 

Matthews, William R., Jr.Funston 

Maxwell, Edward B.Moultrie 

May, James R., R. R. 1...Berlin 

Meredith, Earl J..Moultrie 

Mercer, Andrew J(ackson).Moultrie 

Mercer, John L., R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Miles, Green (colored).Doerun 

Miller, Ernest W.Norman Park 

Miller, Jimmie L. (colored).Crosland 

Miller, William 0. (colored).Doerun 

Minchew, Joseph C., R. R. 1....Berlin 

Mingo, James (colored).Norman Park 

Mitchell, Sam (colored).Crosland 

Monk, James F.Moultrie 

Monk, George A. Moultrie 

Monroe, James R. (colored), R. R. 5, Box 25..Moultrie 

Moody, Grover C., R. R. 1.Doerun 

Moree, William C., Jr. Doerun 

Moree, James G., R. R. 1.Doerun 

Morgan, Charles G. Berlin 

Morris, Alvah W.Norman Park 

Morris, John G., R. R. 3... ..Moultrie 

Morris, Raphael L. Moultrie 

Morrison, Charlie (colored).Berlin 

Morrison, Willie Lee (colored), 619 2nd St.Moultrie 

Moses, Cliff (colored), R. R. Moultrie 

Mullis, Asa.Norman Park 

Munford, John C., N. Main St. Moultrie 

Munn, Mitchell (colored), R. R. 14, Box 114. Moultrie 

Murphy, Millard. Moultrie 

Murphy, Newton.Moultrie 

Napper, Eldridge (colored), R. R. 1 , Box 80 . Doerun 

Neff, Mark C. Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 347 

Nelson, Dock (colored).Norman Park 

Nesmith, Ashley...Moultrie 

Nesmith, Fred, R. R. 3.Moultrie 

NeSmith, Miles Hampton.Norman Park 

Nesmith, John B.Moultrie 

Nesmith, Julian G.Moultrie 

NeSmith, Maillie M., R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Newberry, Sim (colored), R. R. 3, Box 48 .Doerun 

Newell, Asbury.1.Moultrie 

Newton, Arthur A., R. R. 3.Moultrie 

Newton, John M.Norman Park 

Nickens, Walter (colored). Moultrie 

Nicherson, Frank (colored).Moultrie 

Nichols, Elbert L.Moultrie 

Nobles, James D.Crosland 

Norman, Buddie....Crosland 

Norman, Frank M.Moultrie 

Norman, Miles B. Norman Park 

Norman, Richard I. Crosland 

Norris, Christopher W., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Odom, Philip H. Moultrie 

Oneal, Putney A.. Doerun 

Oneal, Perry A.Doerun 

Ott, Albert C.Moultrie 

Ott, John A.Moultrie 

Ott, Wyatt K. Doerun 

Owens, Henry A.Moultrie 

Owens, Seabon (colored).Moultrie 

Parker, Robert (colored).Moultrie 

Parker, Thaddeus H., 5025 Main St. Moultrie 

Patillo, Charlie (colored). Doerun 

Patterson, John A. Moultrie 

Peak, Wade (colored). Moultrie 

Perkins, Broadus E., R. R. 1. Doerun 

Perryman, Jack C., R. R. 1 Hartsfield 





































348 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Peters, William C., R. R. 1.Autreyville 

Phillips, Joseph H. .Doerun 

Phillips, Oscar Eugene (colored). .Doerun 

Pippins, Charlie W. .Moultrie 

Pitts, Isaac, R. R. 2. Moultrie 

Pitts, Joseph H..Norman Park 

Plymel, Lee, R. R. 5.Moultrie 

Ponder, Ira A. Moultrie 

Porter, Eustis.Moultrie 

Potts, Curran M. Moultrie 

Potts, Dillard M.Moultrie 

Potts, Frank T... Moultrie 

Powell, Charley H. Moultrie 

Powell, Edward R., R. R. 2...Norman Park 

Powell, William B. (colored), R. R. 2..Norman Park 

Powell, William Nesbitt. Moultrie 

Prather, Duluth L.Harlem 

Prather, William E.Harlem 

Price, Johnny (colored).Moultrie 

Ragan, Arthur M. Doerun 

Ragan, Howell.Doerun 

Ramsey, John (colored), R. R. 2. Harlem 

Raney, Raymond L. Moultrie 

Ray, Charles 0.Moultrie 

Reddick, Jacob S., R. R. 5. Moultrie 

Reddick, Semmie A. (colored), 409 1st Ave.Moultrie 

Reid, Eugene...Moultrie 

Reid, Oscar D. (colored).Moultrie 

Reynolds, Dornie B..Moultrie 

Rhodes, William H., 223 1st St. N. W.Moultrie 

Richard, Charlie C.Doerun 

Richard, Edgar J.Doerun 

Richardson, Henry D. (colored).Autreyville 

Ricks, John Wesley. Moultrie 

Roddenberry, Robert, Jr., South Main St.. Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 349 

Rosson, Sidney (colored).Hartsfield 

Roberson, Pate (colored).Norman Park 

Roberson, Walter (colored), R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Roberts, Henry (colored).Moultrie 

Rodgers, Arthur (colored).Doerun 

Rogers, Earl.Moultrie 

Roland, Thomas C., R. R. 4. Moultrie 

Rouse, James A(ddison).Moultrie 

Rowell, John L., 5th St. & 6th Ave_____Moultrie 

Russ, Tom W., R. R. 2.Hartsfield 

Rumph, Isaac (colored), 312 Central Ave.Moultrie 

Rushin, Enice (colored)...Moultrie 

Russell, William (colored). Doerun 

Sadler, Jennings. .Moultrie 

Salter, John T...Doerun 

Sanders, Sam (colored)..Autreyville 

Saturday, James R. P. Moultrie 

Scarboro, Henry L. Moultrie 

Schramm, John F .Funston 

Schuyler, Robert B.. . Moultrie 

Seals, James M. Miller 

Seay, Lawyer (colored). Doerun 

Sellers, George W., R. R. 1. ...Hartsfield 

Sellers, John B. (colored).Doerun 

Sharpe, Jeff J. Autreyville 

Shephers, Albert R. Moultrie 

Sherman, Henry H., R. R. 2. Hartsfield 

Shipp, William W., 2nd St. East.Moultrie 

Shiver, Jesse C.Crosland 

Shiver, John S.Crosland 

Sikes, Alex.Doerun 

Simmons, Darnell (colored). .Ellenton 

Simmons, Elbert L. Moultrie 

Sims, Henry (colored). Doerun 

Sims, John E. Doerun 






































350 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Sims, Joseph L., R. R. 4.Doerun 

Sinclair, William B ..Moultrie 

Sirmons, Lucius (colored), 219 6th Ave. N. W.Moultrie 

Sloan, Charles H., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Sloan, Elbert L.Hartsfield 

Smith, Colling (colored), 324 W. 7th St.Moultrie 

Smith, Claud W—. Harlem 

Smith, Charles L. Doerun 

Smith, Eddie (colored), 706 5th Ave.Moultrie 

Smith, George R. Moultrie 

Smith, Herbert H.Moultrie 

Smith, John E..Norman Park 

Smith, James C., R. R. 4.Doerun 

Smith, James P(erry).Hartsfield 

Smith, John Henry, R. R. 1. Moultrie 

Smith, Johnnie (colored), R. R. 1. Hartsfield 

Smith, Leland D., 624 2nd Ave. S. E.M^oultrie 

Smith, Lessie L., R. R. 2.Hartsfield 

Smith, Loften, R. R. 1.Doerun 

Smith, Rebin (colored).Norman Park 

Smith, R(obert) Leonard.. Moultrie 

Smith, William 0.Moultrie 

Snipes, Richard W., R. R. 1. Funston 

Sorrell, Luther Jackson..Moultrie 

Sorrell, Noah J. Moultrie 

Sowell, William A.Moultrie 

Sowell, Cliff. Moultrie 

Sowell, Enoch N.Moultrie 

Speer, Daisy B., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Speight, Walter E., 401 4th Ave. S. E.Moultrie 

Spivey, Paul L..Moultrie 

Stakes, Gay C., 224 2nd St.Moultrie 

Stanaland, Littlejohn J., R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Stanaland, Robert Melton, R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Stacy, Wilbur M., 402 6th St.Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 351 

Stallings, James C.Moultrie 

Stallings, Ottise (colored), R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Stephens, Melvin (colored), 609 2nd St.. .Moultrie 

Stevens, Alma C. H., R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Stewart, Freddie (colored), R. R. 5, Box 9.Moultrie 

Stith, Charles S., R. R. 5.Moultrie 

Stone, Walter W. Doerun 

Strawder, Lewis G.Berlin 

Streeter, Julius.Moultrie 

Streeter, Thomas C., Jr. (colored).Moultrie 

Strother, William H....Moultrie 

Strickland, Charles N.Moultrie 

^Strickland, Henry L., R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Strickland, Warren J., R. R. 5. Moultrie 

Striplin, Erastus F.Moultrie 

Suber, John F., R. R. 1. Hartsfield 

Sutton, Jesse Hilbourne, R. R. 2.Norman Park 

Tabor, Henry (colored). Moultrie 

Tanner, Joe Herman.Norman Park 

Tanner, Mark...Norman Park 

Taylor, Homer F..Autreyville 

Taylor, Perry...Ellenton 

Teems, Thomas B.Berlin 

Thomas, Ed. (colored).Berlin 

Thomas, Gene (colored)......Norman Park 

Thomas, George W. (colored), R. R. 4.Moultrie 

Thomas, John (colored), R. R. 1.Doerun 

Thomas, Johnie (colored).Harlem 

Thomas, Willie (colored).Harlem 

Thompson, John G., R. R. 2.Doerun 

Thompson, Moses (colored), 5th Ave.Moultrie 

Thornton, William B. Doerun 

Tillman, Marion J., R. R. 4 .Moultrie 

Tillman, Thomas J., R. R. 1.Berlin 

Toner, John (colored).Moultrie 





































352 HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 

Tompkins, Nathan (colored). Harlem 

Toney, John W. Doerun 

Truett, Lacy C. Moultrie 

Tucker, Ancel P. ...Doerun 

Tucker, Clem. Moultrie 

Tucker, James C., R. R. 1__ __Moultrie 

Tucker, John A. . . ...Moultrie 

Tucker, Lucius L_ Moultrie 

Tucker, Marion C.... ...Moultrie 

Tucker, Micajah P. Doerun 

Tucker, Otis C., R. R. 2... ...Hartsfield 

Turner, George H.. Moultrie 

Turner, John N. Doerun 

Turner, John (colored), R. R. 1____Berlin 

Turner, Walter (colored), 516 3rd Ave...Moultrie 

Tyndall, Benjamin F .. . .Autreyville 

Tyler, Clarence L. Berlin 

Verdery, Herbert E. Harlem 

Vick, Aaron, Jr. . .. .Hartsfield 

Vick, Tom.. Hartsfield 

Vines, Claud E.....Norman Park 

Wade, Tom (colored).... ....Berlin 

Wages, Virgil W___ ____ _Harlem 

Waits, Cicero J....... ..Moultrie 

Walden, Hoke S.......Harlem 

Walker, Albert.. . Moultrie 

Walker, Clifford J. . . .Ellenton 

Walker, James (colored), R. R. 4, Box 85... .Moultrie 

Walker, James F., R. R. 3..Moultrie 

Walker, Parrish (colored), R. R. 1_ Moultrie 

Walters, Arthur (colored), R. R. 3...Doerun 

Walters, Buford L., R. R. 5.Moultrie 

Wamble, Joseph. Hartsfield 

Ward, Alfred J....Norman Park 

Ward, Fred H. Moultrie 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 353 

Washington, Jesse (colored).Norman Park 

Watkins, Thomas Watson, R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Watson, Sam (colored).Moultrie 

Watts, Charlie (colored), 626 4th Ave.Moultrie 

Weltzbacher, Fred L.Crosland 

Webb, Harmon M., 211 W. Central Ave.Moultrie 

Weeks, John..Ellenton 

Weeks, Montgomery, R. R. 1..Norman Park 

Welch, Andrew T., R. R. 5.Moultrie 

West, William H., Jr., Box 262....Doerun 

White, Amous (colored)..Crosland 

White, George (colored). Ellenton 

White, Nap.Moultrie 

White, Osborne E., R. R. 2...Hartsfield 

White, Walter (colored), Gen. Del...Moultrie 

White, William A., 415 4th Ave. S. E.Moultrie 

Whitehead, Charlie (colored), 724 3rd Ave. N. W..Moultrie 

Whitfield, Zackie.. Funston 

Wiggins, Birdine, R. R.Funston 

Wilkes, Leo M...Norman Park 

Wilkes, Wallace E.:.Moultrie 

Wilkes, Willie W. (died while in desertion).Autreyville 

Williams, Alfonso, 501 3rd St.. Moultrie 

Williams, Grant (colored), 3rd St. N. W.—Moultrie 

^Williams, Henry (colored), R. R. 2, Box 86. .Harlem 

Williams, Homer B. Moultrie 

Williams, James A—. Hartsfield 

Williams, John W., R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Williams, Lonnie (colored), R. R. 5.Moultrie 

Williams, Maceo M. (colored), 501 3rd St. N. W.Moultrie 

Williams, Richard C.Funston 

Williams, Robert M., R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Williams, Thomas H.Funston 

Williams, William P. Liberty 

Williams, Walter (colored).Moultrie 





































354 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Willis, Daniel H..Norman Park 

Winkfield, George (colored), Central Ave.Moultrie 

Wingate, Henry Grady, R. R. 1...Berlin 

Wisham, Otis M., R. R. 1.. .Hartsfield 

Wood, Glenn L. Moultrie 

Woods, James (colored). Moultrie 

Woodson, William (colored).....Doerun 

Wooten, Charlie V.Berlin 

Worley, Alexander, R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Worley, Fred, R. R. 1...Norman Park 

Wynn, Claud W., R. R. 4.Doerun 


Deceased 

Branan, Maury Edward...Norman Park 

Castelberry, Isaac R. Moultrie 

Chambliss, Charley (colored). Moultrie 

Crosby, Henry Melvin......Norman Park 

Crosby, James E. Moultrie 

Davis, Frank, R. R. 2.Hartsfield 

Evans, Ellis (colored).... ..Harlem 

Greer, William Henry, R. R. 4.....Moultrie 

Gregory, Claudius C. M.Hartsfield 

Hutchinson, O’Bee, R. R. 5, Box 116... .Moultrie 

Jenkins, Cyrus C... Doerun 

Jones, Dan L. (colored), Gen. Del..Ellenton 

Jones, Charlie (colored).Moultrie 

Keigans, John S. Moultrie 

Keigans, William, R. R. 1.Norman Park 

Minshew, David, R. R. 1.Berlin 

Monk, Rufus A. J.....Moultrie 

Monroe, Vernon (colored). Moultrie 

Ricks, William L. ... .Moultrie 

Rome (Rowe), Judson T., R. R. 3..Moultrie 

Sharp, John R., Jr.Moultrie 

Smithwick, Floyd L., R. R. 1. Moultrie 



































WORLD WAR VETERANS 355 

Sterling, Charlie B., R. R. 4....Moultrie 

Teabeaut, Thomas S., Norman Hotel.. Moultrie 

Thomas, John B.Berlin 

Watkins, Louis F. (colored), R. R., Box 63...Crosland 

Officers 

Brannen, Clem C., P. 0. Box 454....Moultrie 

Bryant, James Malone. Hartsfield 

Buchanan, Ira E. Moultrie 

Clay, Arvah E. .Moultrie 

Cochran, Arthur M... Doerun 

Coffman, Joseph W., 232 5th Ave.Moultrie 

Goldbroun, Jacob...Moultrie 

Labarre, Robert V., 905 5th Ave....Moultrie 

Leverett, Paul DeWitt. Doerun 

Luke, Herbert Spivey. Hartsfield 

Massey, William Walton, Hill Crest. Moultrie 

McKenzie, Reid Hill. Moultrie 

Monk, James Fred. Moultrie 

Moye, Thomas Ralph. Autreyville 

Stokes, Robert Nichols, 607 3rd St. West.Moultrie 

Whittendale, William Hardman.Norman Park 

Navy 

Alton, John Rayford.Ellenton 

Ashmore, James Oscar. . Autreyville 

Atkins, John Burton. Funston 

Bell, Clifford Hammonds. Doerun 

Bloodworth, Eugene Franklin, R. R. 1. Doerun 

Bryant, Simeon Dykes. Hartsfield 

Cannon, Robert E. Lee, R. R. 1. Autreyville 

Cates, Arthur W.Miller 

Clark, Robert Allen..... Moultrie 

Clark, Zachariah Harrison. .Moultrie 
































356 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Cobb, Jolly John Anthony. .....Doerun 

Daniel, John Wesley.... .Doerun 

Dell, Mirah Lee Hosea.....Berlin 

Dewbury, John Bell.. Moultrie 

Dismuke, Phil Boyd...Doerun 

Dobbins, Walter Eugene..... Harlem 

Duke, Joseph..Moultrie 

Evans, Tom Watson, 620 E. Central Ave. .Moultrie 

Gautier, William Jones. Funston 

Hadden, Alex Wright, R. R. 2...Harlem 

Hamilton, Arthur Lawton. Moultrie 

Hamilton, Oscar William, R. R. 1____Moultrie 

Hancock, Luther Franklin_ Doerun 

Harper, Ashburn Park ______Moultrie 

Harrell, Eustace Horatious_ _____Moultrie 

Harrell, Willie Maurice__ Doerun 

Hasty, James Phillip_ Doerun 

Haulbrook, Hugh Lawson, R. R. 1____Moultrie 

Hay, James David ...Moultrie 

Hiers, Pafford Marion_______Moultrie 

Hill, Thomas Dee.. Moultrie 

Horne, John William. Moultrie 

Humphreys, William Floyd... ... Berlin 

Joines, James Macelous, R. R. 2, Box 63___Doerun 

Kelly, Oscar.,...Moultrie 

Lewis, Willie Kermit, R. R. 3____Moultrie 

Lloyd, Tolliver Perry.. . ....Harlem 

Lyons, William Lenwood, 317 2nd Ave. N. W__ Moultrie 

Manning, Archie Jackson, R. R. 1.....Berlin 

Mason, John Grady, R. R. 1. Moultrie 

Mason, Joseph Lawrence, R. R. 1....Moultrie 

Mercer, Ernest, R. R. 1...Norman Park 

Murphy, Charlie Samuel, 707 W. Central Ave..Moultrie 

Nelson, Robert Franklin, 518 1st Ave. S. W. . .Moultrie 

Newton, James Franklin, R. R. 2.....Norman Park 





































WORLD WAR VETERANS 


357 


Norman, William Lacy, R. R. 2.Moultrie 

Powell, Clarence Kennie, R. R. 2.. .Doerun 

Powell, John Miller...Moultrie 

Scarboro, Dewey David.Moultrie 

Scarboro, James McCann.Moultrie 

Sinclair, Dewitt, 519 3rd St. S. W.. Moultrie 

Sinclair, Erie Oval.Moultrie 

Smith, Elbert.Doerun 

Smith, George Madison. Berlin 

Southerland, Willie Osker, R. R. 2. Doerun 

Swilley, Rufus Samuel.Moultrie 

Taylor, Thomas Franklin.......Moultrie 

Tharpe, William Matthew.... Moultrie 

Trice, Joseph Ferrell.Doerun 

Tucker, Frank ..Funston 

Tucker, William Railford, R. R. 1. Moultrie 

Turner, Hosea, 308 1st St.Moultrie 

Wheeler, Clarence Wesley.'...Berlin 

Whitfield, Edmund Jacob. Moultrie 

Wilkerson, Fred Goree, R. R. 2.Harlem 

Wilkes, Homer Gladstone.Moultrie 

Willingham, Ellington Barton. Harlem 

Willingham, Henry Morgan, Box 89.Harlem 

Wingate, Wylie Oscar, R. R. 1.Berlin 

Williams, Charles Wesley, Jr., R. R. 1 Moultrie 

Williams, Harry Asendorf, R. R. 1.Moultrie 

Wilson, Frank Edward.Moultrie 

Teague, John Pittman, R. R. 11.Moultrie 


Deserters. 































358 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Final Word of the Historian 


The estimated value of the agricultural products of Col¬ 
quitt County for the year 1936 is as follows: Tobacco, $2,- 
000,000; cotton, $1,500,000; cattle and hogs, $3,500,000; 
melons, $300,000; peanuts, $500,000; corn and other feed 
and food crops, $2,000,000—a total of $11,000,000. This 
is well within the facts. 

We think the productivity of our cultivated lands can be 
doubled by scientific fertilizing and cultivation. We are of 
the opinion that less than half of our arable lands are now 
under the plow. We believe, therefore that, at the end of 
another generation the products of our fields and pastures 
will have reached forty millions of dollars per annum. This 
section will “mix it up” with Kansas City and Chicago in the 
matter of meat production. There are only three commer¬ 
cial problems—To clothe the world; to house the world; and 
to feed the world. Colquitt is by nature qualified to solve 
two of these problems as well as any section on earth. There 
is, as we conceive it, no limit to her future commercial devel¬ 
opment. 

Finally, as we think, the thing of fundamental importance 
about a community is that it be good for the establishment 
of families and the training of children. In other words, it 
is written from the beginning, “Man shall not derive life 
from bread alone, but by every rule of living that proceedeth 
out of the mouth of God.” 

And having ascertained from our study of Colquitts 
pioneers that they pretty well knew God, we commend their 
example to the present age as well as to the ages to come. 
We expect our civilization will endure till the “end of the 
ages;” because God-fearing men and women have laid its 
foundations on the rock of faith in the promises of the Lord. 



HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 35! 

Heads of Families, Lowndes County, 
Georgia 


(U. S. Census in 1830 ) 


Henry Albritton 
Wm. C. Alderman 
Sarah Adams 
James Allen 
Matthew Albritton 
Jas. Albritton 
Wm. G. Akins 
Frances Akins 
Wm. Albritton 
John Bryan 
Thos. Brown 
Joshia Browning 
Lewis Blackshear 
Joshua Browning 
Samuel Barker 
John Blackshear 
Elijah Beasley 
Jas. Burnette 
Danl. Burnette 
Jas. Bird 
Thos. Brannon 
Mosley Burnette 
David Blanton 
John Bennett 
Adin Boyd 
Bane L. Boyd 
Geo. Boon 
Burton Branch 
David R. Bryan 
Willson Bates 
Jas. M. Bates 
Fleming Bates 
Jno. Bennett 
Jas. Bozeman 


Coma Burman 
Alex. Campbell 
Bozel Cornege 
Wm. Cotten 
Cannon Cason 
Wm. Carlisle 
Silas Cason 
Henry Colson 
Sarah Coward 
Henry Clifton 
Harmon Crum 
Jesse Carter 
Thos. Crawford 
Hugh Chancey 
Geo. Carter 
Jno. Carter 
Wm. Carter 
Isaac Carter 
Samuel Carter 
Wm. B. Coward 
Elizabeth Chaney 
Ben Cornelius 
Reubin Crawford 
Gideon Crawford 
Jesse Carter, Jr. 
Sam. M. Clyatt 
Ann Cummings 
Enoch Collins 
Isaac B. Carlton 
Jas. Crawford 
Elijah Cutts 
Henry Castleberry 
Henry Dean 
Elijah Deckel 



360 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Benj. Devane 
Wm. Dampier 
Jno. G. Davis 
Wm. Dregors 
Jno. Dees 
Moses Dees 
Wm. Dees 
Leonard Dees 
Wm. Dooling 
Nancy Dukes 
Jno. Dampier 
Dennis Dooling 
Jno. Edmundson 
Cornelius English 
Love English 
Jas. English 
Amos Emanuel 
Jas. Edmundson 
David Fender 
Wm. Fletcher 
Israel Folsom 
Thos. Folsom 
Jno. Folsom 
Zach Fletcher 
Penniwell Folsom 
Wright Flowers 
Randall Folsom 
Thos. Futch 
Jas. Faulkner 
Lawrence Folsom 
Elijah Folsom 
Jos. Gates 
Thos. Giddens 
Abner Griffin 
Rebecca Godwin 
Hardy Godwin 
Nancy Griffin 
Bryan Glisson 
Simon Gay 
James Goff 
Wm. C. Goff 


Jesse Goodman 
Nathan Gornto 
David Gornto 
William Gay 
Jobin Giddens 
John Gutery 
Geo. Glover 
Acquilla Green 
Lovick Green 
James Gill 
Thos. Gray 
Emanuel Griner 
Fisher Gaskins 
Jno. Gaskins 
James Gunter 
William Hendry 
Henry Hamons 
Lewis Harrell 
Jno. Hall 
Simon Hall 
Nathan Hodges 
Henry Hulette 
Sami. T. Henderson 
Winnie Henderson 
Green Hill 
Jno. Hill 
Benj. Holland 
Wm. Hill 

Henry H. Hightower 
Daniel Humphrey 
Wm. Hancock 
Cudar Hancock 
Jeremiah Hancock 
James E. Henry 
John Hendry 
Jno. Howell 
Jno. Hightower 
H. John Harper 
Durham Hancock 
Jaret Johnson 
Isaac Johnson 


HEADS OF FAMILIES 


361 


Jno. Jordan 
Wm. Jones 
Jno. Jones, Sr. 

Jno. Jones, Jr. 
Abner Jones 
Clayton Jones 
John Johnson 
David Johnson 
Wash. Joyce 
Jas. I. Joyce 
Joshua Kemp 
Jno. Kinsey 
Jonathan Knight 
Levi J. Knight 
Jno. Knight 
Wm. A. Knight 
Wm. C. Knight 
Thos. Kelley 
Sam. Knight 
Danl. Kinard 
Wm. Kirby 
Willis King 
Wm. Knight 
Nathan Lindsey 
Wm. Lofton 
Jno. Lankford, Sr. 
Jno. Lankford, Jr. 
Joshua Lee 
Jones Lexington 
Seaborn Lastinger 
John Lindsay 
Robt. Lindsay 
David Lovette 
Hester Lindsay 
Jno. Lawson 
Thos. Matthis 
Jno. Matthis, Sr. 
Jno. Moore 
Tyre Matthis 
Sarah Moor 
Edmond Matthis 


Jno. Moore, Jr. 
Roderich Morrison 
Jerusha Monk 
Jas. Matthis 
Malon Monk 
Richard Maulden 
Mary Morrison 
Bunyan Merritt 
Judith McFail 
Jno. S. McLeod 
Isaac McMullan 
Hannah McIntyre 
Isaac McFail 
James McMullan 
Miley McLeod 
Jas. McDowell 
Elizabeth McCall 
Wm. McMullan 
Ben McDaniel 
Danl. McCraney 
Jno. McCraney, Sr. 
Jno. McCraney, Jr. 
Duncan McMillan 
Malcom McCraney 
Robt. McCall 
Margarett McDermit 
Thos. Newbern 
Dread Newbern 
James M. Norman 
Willis Newman 
Wm. Newbern 
James M. Patten 
Alex Patterson 
Robt. N. Parrish 
Ansel A. Parrish 
Henry Parrish 
Wm. Peters 
Daniel Polk 
Moses Prescott 
Jos. Powers 
Ashford N. Parker 


362 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Sami. Paulk 
John S. Pinkston 
Peter Platt 
David Platt 
John Pike 
Joshua Platt 
Jno. Platt 
Asahol Renfroe 
Jno. Roberts, Sr. 
Nichabod Rollerson 
Jno. C. Roberts, Jr. 
Francis Rountree 
Wm. Rowell 
Seaborn Raney 
David Rowell 
Thos. Ramsey 
Wm. P. Roberts 
Jas. Rountree 
Lewis Roberts 
John Rhoden 
Jacob Rhoden 
Sam. Register 
Martin Snow 
Simpson Strickland 
Ezekiel Selph 
Hansell Singleton 
Arc. Strickland 
Sam Strawder 
Jno. Strawder 
Arch Smith 
Wm. Smith 
Thos. Selph 
H. W. Sharp 
Wm. W. Sanders 
Jno. Stewart 
Riley Sapp 
Wim Stokely 
Alg Sapp 
Abner Sirman 
Sam. E. Swilley 
James D. Shank 


Reason Swilley 
Henry Stephens 
Ivy Simmons 
David Stanford 
Levi Starling 
Wm. Starling 
Nathan Smith 
Jno. Sutton 
Moses Slaughter 
Jonathan Sirman 
Elias Skipper 
John Sellers 
John Studstill 
A. B. Shehe 
Josiah Sellers 
Melus Thigpen 
John Tillman 
Jeremiah Tillman 
Joshua Tillman 
Emily Turner 
John Tomlinson 
Wm. Tomlinson 
Austin Thompson 
Allen Townsend 
John Townsend 
Wm. Taitor 
Jesse Townsend 
Jas. Touchtone 
Jemima Tucker 
Jno. J. Underwood 
Henry Tucker 
Drew Vickers 
Jesse Vickers 
James Wade 
Wm. Wood 
Jno. S. Whitfield 
James Walker 
Peter Wetherington 
Curtis Wetherington 
Dennis Wetherington 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT 


363 


Heads of Families, Eighth District, 
Thomas County, Ga., now Colquitt 
County 


(U. S. Census in 1840) 


Wm. Ayres 
Hardy H. Akeridge 
Thos. Bennett 
Mary Bowen 
Jno. Burk 
James Bryan 
Douglas Black 
Emanuel Burk 
David Burney 
Wm. B. Crawford 
Elisha Cutts 
Wm. P. Cutts 
Robt. Crawford 
Jesse Carlton 
Peter Crosby 
Canon Cason 
Danl. Davis 
Wright Douglas 
Catherine Eason 
Baxter Floyd 
Wright Flowers 
Jno. Gregory 
Simon Gay 
Sarah Gregory 
Robt. Hendry 
Nathaniel Hand 
Henry W. Hancock 
Jeremiah Hancock 
Lewis Harrell 
Henry Haymonds 
Phoebe Highsmith 
Thos. Jordan 


Murphy Lanier 
Nathan Land 
Henry Murphy 
Holmes Mauldin 
Colan Mercer 
Jas. McLendon 
Jas. A. Newman 
Artaxerxes B. Norman 
James Newton 
Sarah Richardson 
Wm. Sloan 
John Sellers 
Daniel Sloan 
Henry C. Tucker 
John Tillman 
Moses Vick 
Jas. P. Vick 
Jos. Watson 
Reubin Wilson 
Redick Watson 
Shadrack Wells 
William Watson 
James M. Horne 
Thos. Hall 
Kindred Hall 
Wm. Hancock 
Allan Hancock 
James Hancock 
Ignatius Hall 
Jordan Hall 
John Hart 
James Hall 



364 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


Samuel H. Hadley 

Robt. Roddenberry 

Geo. Hayes 

Isaac Shores 

James T. Hayes 

Jas. D. Saules 

Wm. I. Hopson 

Elisha Strickland 

Thos. J. Hurst 

Isham Strickland 

Geo. W. Jones 

Wm. H. Smith 

Humphrey Jemison 

Thos. M. Slow 

Wm. Jackson 

John Slater 

Jno. B. Lacy 

Dan Stringer 

Henry Mash 

Stephen Smith 

Jackson J. Mash 

Olsy Strickland 

Richard, Mitchell 

Fleming B. Tanner 

Taylor H. Mitchell 

Barbara Thomas 

Robt. Mardre 

James Taylor 

Angus Morrison 

John Took 

Neill McKay 

Andrew Truluck 

Daniel McIntyre 

Richard Taylor 

Daniel McKinnon 

James J. Vickers 

Mary McKinnon 

Brinson Wheeler 

Robt. H. Raines 

James Wilson 

Lucien H. Raines 

Alpin Worsham 

Randolph Revill 

Mitchell Worsham 

Sylvanus Pumphrey 

Samuel C. White 


***** 

The following are the oldest pioneer settlers of the Col¬ 
quitt territory so far as our investigation shows: 

James M. Norman, born March 18, 1792, died at “Coker’s 
Place, on the Moultrie and Albany Road, on September 12, 
1864. His wife, Ruth Tillman, was born September 18, 
1798; and died March 8, 1884, at residence of her son-in- 
law, A. J. Strickland, in Colquitt County. 

* * * * * 

John Tillman, brother of Ruth Tillman, was born in 1800, 
and died at the age of 86, in Colquitt County. His wife, 
Sarah Mercer Tillman, died at the age of 82, and is buried at 
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 9 miles out of Moultrie 
near the Quitman Road. 


HISTORY OF COLQUITT COUNTY 


365 


Henry Crawford Tucker was born in 1803, and died in 
1881, in Colquitt County. 

Charles H. lohnson was born in England, in 1790; mar¬ 
ried an Aunt of “Kentucky” Roberts, at Pavo, Ga., and died 
in Colquitt in 1886. He is buried with his wife in the burial 
ground on the “Johnson Farm” in Colquitt County. He was 
married in 1829 to Elizabeth Roberts. 

James M. Norman and his wife are buried at “Pleasant 
Grove” graveyard, two miles out of Moultrie on the Adel 
Road. 

The graves of all these pioneers are on the point of being 
lost; and should be remarked. The obligation lies first on 
their descendants; and second on our historical associations. 

Jacob F. Reichert, Sheriff of Colquitt in 1856-7 and in 
1859-60, was a native of Wurtemburg, Germany. He re¬ 
moved to Monticello, Fla., in 1861, and is buried in four 
miles of that place. 

sjl jfl ^ ;jc j}c 

Steven Johnson, born in North Carolina in 1789, was blind 
when the Census Marshal for 1860 called at his home. His 
wife, born in the same state, in 1801, was named curiously 
enough, “Delilah.” 

* * * * * 

Reference toi the rolls of World War veterans will reveal 
that “Julius Caesar,” colored, was sent from Colquitt among 
her expeditionary forces. We knew his father, “Grant 
Caesar,” personally; and were told by him that “Julius” was 
“over dere.” 
























































































































































































































































✓ 
































































































































r i ■ I M 




' 
















































* 











































. 














































































' 













































